Guided by Indigenous-led research, policy, and cultural practice, Child Safety is committed to advancing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action by using a restorative practice approach to family services that centres children within their circle of support, and reframes child welfare within Indigenous worldview and lived experience.
The Child Safety 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. Gathering a strong circle of support around the child and their family through one of the collaborative pathways, services are delivered by providing practice support, concrete resources and cultural connections to keep children safe and with their family.
Child Safety is 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.
Child Safety 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. By honouring each person’s story, considering the impact of colonization, and working in relationship with colleagues, families and communities – Child Safety helps a family’s circle stay strong, and finds solutions that create security and meaningful change.
In situations where children are determined to be vulnerable, Child Safety 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. The overall goal of the Child Safety program is to support and facilitate pathways to healing. These pathways to healing being with worker engagement, collaborative practice, in-house Elders, Family Preservation workers and gathering the family’s own circle of support.
Questions? Email info@vacfss.com
