Child Intervention Services
The well-being of children is everybody's job. Parents are primarily responsible for providing appropriate care for their children, but all members of the community contribute to a child's growth and participation in society.
The Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act is the legal authority for intervention services. The act is based on the following benefits:
- The safety and well-being of children and youth
- Increased involvement of children and families in decision-making
- Increased collaboration and partnerships with the community
Intervention services are needed only when a parent cannot adequately protect a child. When it becomes clear that a child's survival, security and development is at risk, Child Intervention Services must become involved.
We have different ways of responding depending on the needs of the family. A screening process is the first point of contact with a family to determine if further assessment of the child's safety is needed. The preliminary assessment of the child's needs determines the most appropriate and least disruptive response to the family's situation. This may include a referral to the community or further assessment and follow up.
There are two streams to intervention services for families whose children are found to be in need of intervention:
- Family Enhancement includes services and supports to enable a family to continue to care for their child in the home. These services are utilized when the child and family are motivated to address the issues facing them.
- Protection Services are used when there is a higher risk to the child and it is determined that a placement or court intervention is required to ensure the safety and well-being of the child. This process involves the completion of an assessment of the family's situation through an investigation. Protection Services include foster care, kinship care and adoption services.
The goal of Alberta Children's Services and the Child and Family Services Authority is to work with families and communities to enhance their ability to develop safe and nurturing environments for children, youth and families.
For more information, please contact the Southeast Alberta Child and Family Services Authority.
