community navigation services
prevention, protection & reunification
Scw'exmx Child and Family Services Society's Community Navigation Team was created in June 2022 to support families with a preventative approach that honours our Elders' teachings and our communities' traditions. The team serves as the first point of contact for families who are reaching out about child and family wellness, program information, or support services.
Every Community Navigator’s role is to provide a welcoming, culturally appropriate space where families can seek help while staying true to the values of strength, kinship, and community central to our traditional values.
our approach
When a family reaches out for help, the Community Navigator works closely with an Advisory Committee of SCFSS team leaders, Designated Band Representatives, and Elders.
This committee offers guidance that draws on traditional knowledge and community wisdom, ensuring the approach is tailored to the family’s unique strengths and needs. The process respects the collective nature of decision-making in culture to create a culturally informed and community-supported plan.
Once the family’s needs are understood, the Community Navigator connects them to the most appropriate services, including SCFSS’s prevention programs, community-based supports, and partner organizations. This collaborative approach ensures that families receive immediate help and long-term, sustainable support.
More than just providing short-term assistance, the Community Navigator builds lasting relationships with families. They work with families to bring everyone together for important decisions, often involving Family Circles or other culturally reflective processes where the family comes together to discuss needs, priorities, and solutions.
By working together and drawing on our collective wisdom, we aim to create a sustainable support system that empowers families, promotes resilience, and ensures the well-being of future generations.
