About

Dakota Ojibway Child and Family Services (DOCFS) was established to provide child and family services to the seven (7) First Nations in Southern Manitoba. The task of protecting children and assisting families has been entrusted to Dakota Ojibway Child and Family Services (DOCFS) by the Dakota Ojibway Tribal Council communities. The Agency was legally mandated on July 1, 1981 by the Province of Manitoba under the Child and Family Services Act and continues to develop community based programming.

Extended Reach Across Manitoba

On April 8, 2004, Dakota Ojibway Child and Family Services (DOCFS) had its mandate extended to enable them to deliver services to the DOTC communities' membership anywhere within the Province of Manitoba. With this extended mandate and responsibilities, Dakota Ojibway Child and Family Services (DOCFS) has opened offices in the City of Brandon, the City of Portage la Prairie and the City of Winnipeg to offer services to those people who live outside of the First Nation Communities.

Traditional First Nation values and customs

The intent of the Agency has been and continues to be the provision of service which recognizes traditional First Nation values and customs and is compatible to the needs of the community in which they reside. Dakota Ojibway Child and Family Services (DOCFS) focus is to protect children and to strengthen the capacity of families and communities to resolve their own problems and prevent the circumstances that lead to the apprehension of children. To ensure this occurs, local Child and Family Service Committees comprised of community members have been established to provide advice and support to the workers. The committees have been in place within the seven First Nation communities since the Agency began and we encourage our urban offices to utilize their expertise.