Last Updated March 17. Information on this page is subject to change. Check back regularly for updates.
Concerned about the symptoms of a child or youth in your care?
Consult their health provider or call 8-1-1. Please note, the Province has created a new non-medical information line dedicated to coronavirus which can be reached at 1-888-COVID19.
If a child, youth, caregiver or contractor involved with VACFSS becomes ill with COVID-19, please report it immediately to the child’s social worker and Resources social worker as well as to the Provincial Centralized Screening at 1-800-663-9122.
At the Vancouver Aboriginal Child and Family Services Society (VACFSS), our primary focus has, and continues to be, the health and well-being of children, families, community partners, and staff. The COVID-19 pandemic poses specific challenges to our community. Our services and programs are a vital community-based response positioned to support children and families and will be impacted. We are temporarily modifying service delivery while providing essential services as a delegated child welfare Agency.
Below is important information about steps we are taking to meet the challenge of COVID-19. In the current climate, the health and well-being of our entire community, including each of you, is at the forefront of our planning and decision-making.
These decisions were designed to help slow the transmission of COVID-19 and are a part of VACFSS’ response to the current pandemic which align with the Provincial Health Officer’s recommendations.
- Our offices – we are supporting a remote work option for all non-essential services. Our offices located at 745 Clark Dr., 3284 E. Broadway, and 471 E. Broadway, will remain open but with a limited number of staff.
- Events – planned community events, and all non-essential meetings and outings have been cancelled effective immediately.
- Personal Hygiene – all clients, community partners and staff are requested to follow recommended practices of increasing hand washing, using hand sanitizer and practicing social distancing.
- Sanitization – VACFSS has increased cleaning at all office locations.
The health and safety of children, families, and staff are of paramount concern at this time. We wish to take every precaution necessary to maintain a healthy community. We appreciate your patience and cooperation with these efforts.
Please contact your worker directly if you have concerns about service disruption during this time and to address any questions you may have.
Additional resources:
Health Canada also has a designated information line for the novel coronavirus: 1-833-784-4397.
HealthLink B.C. has published a list of questions its operators are seeing often, including the answers to those questions. You can find that list here.
Coronavirus guide for children: A Curious Guide for Courageous Kids
