child protection services

keeping children with family & community

Our guiding belief is that children belong with their families and communities. For too long, the child protection system took children away from their homes, a harmful practice. SCFSS is committed to a new path — one grounded in cultural traditions, community wisdom, and prevention.

We focus on early intervention to prevent children from being taken into care. When the opportunity for reunification arises, we prioritize bringing children back to their families and communities. We also offer community caregiver programs to support families in keeping their children at home.

We work closely with families, elders, and community leaders, placing decision-making power in the hands of our communities. Listening and learning from our people ensures that our work reflects the values and needs of those we serve.

We stand beside our communities in prevention efforts, advocating for their needs and ensuring that traditional knowledge shapes our policies. We shift from fear to love, treating every family with respect and fostering open communication.

This past year, we reaffirmed our commitment to prevention-based practices. Our decision-making now rests with families and communities, not institutions. Through programs like family reunification trips and deeper collaboration with community leadership, we’ve seen positive outcomes, such as one young person’s return to their community with a naming ceremony.

Together, we are building a future where children grow strong, supported by their families, culture, and community.