Child Protective Services

Intake and Investigation

Referrals regarding abuse and neglect are directed to the intake and investigation unit.

An intake worker is available at all times during office hours and a duty worker is available outside office hours to take reports. This worker will document the concerns and decide on a course of action. Urgent matters will receive immediate action. Less urgent matters will receive attention within 21 working days.

Consultation is available to determine whether a concern falls within the agency’s mandate. Where the concern lies outside the agency’s mandate, the caller will be advised of other resources available to assist.

An investigation and assessment is carried out by a social worker to determine the validity and seriousness of the matter, and what steps are appropriate to serve the child and family. Since many situations are potentially criminal matters, investigations are often carried out jointly with the RCMP.

An investigation may involve any or all of the following activities:
Gathering information from the referral source and other sources in the community; e.g., schools, health professionals, counsellors, and the police;
medical examinations;
interviews with the children;
interviews with parents and other adults involved.

If at the end of the investigation, it is determined that the concern is unfounded or that service is not required, the case will be closed and the family will be informed.

If it is determined that the child is in need of protective services, a plan to deliver services will be developed. Every effort is made to reach an agreement with the parents about the service plan and to deliver services in the family home.

Where an agreement cannot be reached, or the risk is high, the agency may apply to the court for a supervision or care order to protect the child.

Where the child is not safe at home, or requires specialized care, the child may enter the care of the agency. This may be by an agreement with the parents or by a court order.

Long-Term Protective Service

Once it is determined that on-going service is required, the case is assigned to a social worker specializing in this area. This worker will develop a service plan in conjunction with the family, and insure that these services are delivered.

Service can comprise a wide range of activities. These include supervision by the court, counselling and therapy, family and youth support, addiction services, financial assistance, day care, and recreational activities. Some of these are provided by our own staff. Others are obtained from publicly funded organizations, and others are purchased by the agency.

Family Support and Youth Support

Family support and youth support are major service activities provided by our own family support and youth support workers. These involve teaching and modelling parenting skills, providing advice and guidance, teaching life skills, coaching life and parenting skills, and running parents and children’s groups.