Protection Resources
A Duty to Report
If you suspect a child’s physical or mental health or welfare is being impacted by abuse or neglect, you have a legal duty to report this information to QBOW and/or the Ministry of Social Services Child Protection Office. Once a report is made, a child protection worker and/or police will decide what steps to take to assess and respond to the situation.
Child Abuse and Neglect
Abuse and neglect refers to circumstances that may be harmful to a child’s physical, emotional or psychological health and what you can do to stop it.
The Structured Decision Making System for Child Protective Services
QBOW uses a case management system called the Structured Decision Making Model (SDM) to deliver child protection services. The SDM system uses structured critical decision points so that accurate and consistent decision making can be applied.
The goals of SDM are:
- To reduce subsequent harm or maltreatment for children and families; ands
- To expediate permanency and safe reunification.
Child Protection Services Manual (Saskatchewan Ministry of Social Services)
The Children Protection Services Manual provides the framework within which child protection services are delivered. The standards described in the manual establish minimum service levels for Ministry of Social Services and First Nations Child and Family Services Agency staff who are involved in the delivery of child protection services.
Saskatchewan Agencies with an interest in Indigenous Child Welfare
Saskatchewan First Nations Family and Community Institute Inc. (SFNFCI)
SFNFCI is a non-profit organization in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. The Institute is a professional services provider that works with stakeholders and partners to address research, policy and standards development, along with training and professional development opportunities in First Nations Child Welfare. The Institute supports capacity building for First Nations Child Welfare and aims to build strategic partnerships and collaborations to create and maintain positive working relationships in Saskatchewan Child Welfare among all stakeholders.
Saskatchewan Ministry of Social Services
The Ministry of Social Services invests in positive outcomes for people in areas of income support, child and family services, supports for persons with disabilities and affordable housing. We work with citizens as they build better lives for themselves through economic independence, strong families, and strong community organizations.
Saskatchewan Advocate for Children and Youth
The Advocate for Children and Youth is an independent officer of the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan. The advocate leads a team of professionals to advocate for the rights, interests, and well-being of children and youth in Saskatchewan.
Federation of Sovereign Indian Nations
The FSIN represents 74 First Nations in Saskatchewan. The Federation is committed to honouring the spirit and intent of the Treaties, as well as the promotion, protection and implementation of the Treaty promises that were made more than a century ago.
Federal Agencies with an interest in Indigenous Child Welfare
Indigenous Services Canada (ISC)
Indigenous Services Canada’s First Nations Child and Family Services program funds prevention and protection services to support the safety and well-being of First Nations children and families living on reserve.
First Nations Child and Family Caring Society
The Caring Society stands with First Nations children, youth and families so they have equitable opportunities to grow up safely at home, be healthy, get a good education and be proud of who they are.
Assembly of First Nations
The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is a national advocacy organization representing First Nation citizens in Canada, which includes more than 900,000 people living in 634 First Nation communities and in cities and towns across the country.
Important Legislation Regarding Indigenous Child Welfare
Act C-92: An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families (S.C. 2019, c. 24)
This enactment affirms the rights and jurisdiction of Indigenous peoples in relation to child and family services and sets out principles applicable, on a national level, to the provision of child and family services in relation to Indigenous children, such as the best interests of the child, cultural continuity and substantive equality.
Co-developed with Indigenous, provincial and territorial partners, the act:
- affirms the rights of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples to exercise jurisdiction over child and family services
- establishes national principles such as the best interests of the child, cultural continuity and substantive equality
- contributes to the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
- provides an opportunity for Indigenous peoples to choose their own solutions for their children and families
On June 21, 2019, the Act became an official law, and on January 1, 2020, its provisions came into force.
Yellowhead Institute
The Yellowhead Institute generates critical policy perspectives in support of First Nation jurisdiction.