Children and Families

Stsi'elh Stuhw tu Smun'eem - Honouring our Sacred Families and Children Agency

Lalum'utul' Smun'eem Child and Family Services

Our Snuy'uy'ulhtst tu Quw'utsun Mustimuhw u'Shhw'aluqwa' i' Smun'eem [Laws of the Cowichan People for Families and Children] came into effect on August 1, 2024.

Over the next 2 years with our "phased-in approach", our Law will apply to all Quw'utsun citizens, or those entitled to be Quw'utsun, regardless of residency.

Our initial service delivery area is Vancouver Island, including the Gulf Islands.

Thereafter, our service delivery area will expand to our citizens in British Columbia and across Canada. What this means is no matter where our citizens reside, eventually they will receive services from Stsi'elh stuhw tu smun'eem.

The timing of our phased-in approach will depend on:

The number of our Quw'utsun citizens;
Where our citizens reside; and
The number of staff we have to serve our citizens.

Our focus is on our precious gifts of children, families, elders and community while respecting tradition. We work towards achieving this vision from a place of growth, equality and strength.

Duty to Report
Anyone who believes a child may be in need of protection is required to report their concerns to a child welfare agency.

Community members have a duty to report their concerns in order to help protect children. The Agency does not disclose the identity of the person who provides information. The Agency is required to investigate your concerns and also to report back to you the outcome of their investigation.