Child and Family Services
The Child and Family Services (CFS) Department supports children, youth, families, and caregivers through prevention-focused services that promote safety, culture, wellness, belonging, and success.
Vision
Every OKIB child grows up healthy, safe, and well; with every opportunity for success, towards a life of their choosing, and free from any unnecessary involvement with child welfare agencies.
Mission
The Okanagan Indian Band Child and Family Services Department works alongside children, youth, families, caregivers, and community members to promote safety, wellbeing, belonging, and success.
We believe strong children grow from strong families, communities, and cultural connections. Our work focuses on helping families access support early, before challenges become crises, while strengthening the natural supports already present within families and community.
Families may work with one team or several, depending on their needs. By working together, we help ensure the right support reaches families at the right time, while remaining connected to culture, community, and natural support.
We’re here for OKIB members, children entitled to membership and for the parents, caregivers, and extended family who support them. From youth to young adults, we serve families both on and off reserve.
Our Teams
The Family Strengthening Team supports parents and caregivers with guidance, advocacy, and access to resources, helping children stay safely connected to their family, culture, community, and identity. We’re here to help families work through challenges and build strong support systems along the way.
The Youth Services Team supports OKIB youth through a prevention-focused, strength-based, and culturally grounded approach. We work alongside youth to help build confidence, resilience, life skills, and pathways toward a strong future.
Grounded in the belief that youth voice should lead the process, our support is flexible and tailored to each person’s goals, whether that means one-on-one guidance, mental wellness support, or help navigating systems and planning for the future.
Representative and Advocacy Services supports OKIB children, youth, parents, caregivers, and extended family members who are involved with MCFD or other child welfare agencies by ensuring they are informed, supported, and able to actively participate in decisions affecting their families.
Bill C-92 recognizes the inherent right of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples to exercise jurisdiction over child and family services. The C-92 Community Engagement Team supports community conversations about what child and family wellbeing should look like under OKIB leadership and guided by Syilx values.
F.A.Q.
No. Services are voluntary and available whether or not a family is involved with child welfare services.
Not necessarily. Many services are available to eligible OKIB children and families living both on and off reserve.
No. Child protection investigations are conducted by MCFD or delegated Indigenous child welfare agencies.
Yes. Information is treated confidentially and only shared with consent, where required by law, or where there are immediate safety concerns.
Yes. Youth may contact the department without going through a parent or caregiver.
Contact Information
Team Assistant
250-309-3141
cfs@okanagan.org
Manager, Child and Family Services
250-241-7270
jereme.brooks@okanagan.org