Dakota Ojibway Child & Family Services

Services and Supports

your children, your family, your plan...we can help

Taking care of our own.

The objectives of DOCFS are compatible with those of all Child and Family Service Agencies in the Province of Manitoba, with an emphasis on First Nation values.

To protect children from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
To strengthen and unify families by providing services that are compatible with the needs of the family and the community in which they reside.
To place children in the Agency's care in a loving environment with extended family, with families in their own community, or within other First Nation families.

Agency Programs

Child Protection

DOCFS is legally obligated to investigate families when there is reason to believe that a child is in need of protection due to neglect, abuse, abandonment, or exploitation. Where an allegation of abuse is made, investigations are conducted in cooperation with the police. Where a child is found to be in need of protection, the Agency will remove the child to a place of safety until the family can be safely reunited. If it is deemed necessary that a child remain in the Agency's care after the initial assessment or investigation is complete, the child will be placed in foster care for the required period of time.

Prevention Services

The Agency does not receive significant funding for prevention services. However, DOCFS believes it is necessary to work with families to prevent the apprehension of children and promote the family unit. There are projects occurring in the individual offices that address family disruption. As well, referrals are made to other culturally appropriate resources to assist families.

Foster Care

If it becomes necessary to remove a child from their home, DOCFS has a responsibility to ensure that they are placed in a home that provides a safe, loving, and culturally appropriate environment. The Agency strongly encourages the use of extended family placements and community placements that understand the cultural background of the child. Foster families may provide care for a child for a period of days, weeks, months, and sometimes years, depending upon each circumstance. Foster care is a vital program within the Agency, and more information can be found in the Foster Care pamphlet.

Family Wellness

DOCFS provides support and assistance to families who are experiencing difficulties. The Agency provides counselling to families and helps them find effective solutions to the problems they are encountering. Where appropriate, the Agency may refer families to other resources (i.e., Elders, Psychologists) and may place Homemakers, Parent Aides, Family Support Workers, or use daycare services to help maintain the family unit.

Minor Parents

Adolescent parents who are expecting a child face many unique challenges. They may be uncertain about their alternatives and lack the skills necessary to parent a child. DOCFS ensures these minor parents receive the necessary counselling and support. The Agency also promotes responsible and permanent planning for the child of minor parents.

Adoption/Guardianship

DOCFS is committed to placing children for whom they have permanent guardianship in homes that will preserve the child's cultural identity and provide stability, security, and, most importantly, love.

Post-Adoption/Repatriation

The Agency also offers post-adoption services to adopted adults and their birth families. In addition, the Agency has a repatriation program/policy that may provide assistance to individuals who wish to reconnect with or return to their families or communities.

taking care of our own Brochure

For more information, download our brochure.