Sea to Sky

VACFSS receives reports from families, community, professionals, and concerned citizens who have child safety concerns for children in Indigenous families. Under the Child, Family and Community Services Act (CFCSA), we are required by law to assess reports and determine if there are child safety issues that must be followed up. Our practice is grounded in restorative Indigenous Child welfare with internal policies created that exceed that standards set out by the provincial government.

The Child Safety (CS) program works collaboratively with families by engaging their primary system of support, their affiliated First Nations community, other Indigenous agencies who serve the family’s affiliated community, and other resources to deliver child safety and family support and prevention services in the city of Vancouver. CS is also responsible for assessing, and investigating alleged reports of child abuse, neglect and exploitation of children. Reports are predominantly assessed using a family development response model focusing on collaborating with families to address safety concerns for the best interest of their children.

CS social workers receive their mandate to carry out duties under the legal authority of the Child, Family and Community Services Act (CFCSA) and with the endorsement of the Indigenous community to ensure that Indigenous children are protected and families are adequately supported. As an Indigenous agency, we look for innovative methods of providing safety for the child within the child’s circle of belonging, integrity, humility respect and strength-based practice..

In situations where children are determined to be at vulnerable, CS prioritizes the least intrusive measures and kinship placement options to keep children safe. Ongoing access to the parent within the VACFSS Access policy is fundamental to keeping children connected.

Screening and Intake: Child safety (CS) reports occur when concerns that a child or youth may be at risk of neglect or abuse are reported to VACFSS. A screener will identify is the concerns meet eligibility for follow up assessment. If the concerns to not meet the criteria for further follow up, the file will be closed and referrals to any appropriate community services will be made. Click here to submit a concern.