Partnerships with communities are one of the foundations of our practice. We work collaboratively with affiliated First Nations and other Indigenous agencies to gather a strong circle of support around the children and families we serve.

To avoid bringing children into care, an emphasis is placed on using the least disruptive measure as a vital component to restorative practice. Agreements with extended family, community members and voluntary care agreements are commonly used. Our practice is grounded in restorative Indigenous Child welfare with internal policies to engage with the affiliated First Nations of the children and families we serve that exceed the standards set out in the CFCSA legislation. VACFSS works collaboratively with First Nations, communities and families for case planning and to ensure children’s rights to culture, tradition, and language are upheld.