Children & Families

Splatsin Stsmamlt Services
308B George Street
Enderby, B.C.
PO BOX 460
V0E 1V0

Phone: (778) 943-1832
After Hours Emergency Line: (250) 306-9311

“There is no resource that is more vital to the continued existence and integrity of the Indian Band than our children.” – Splatsin Elders

This is the only Bylaw of its kind and was developed in 1979-1980 in response to decades of detrimental child welfare practices delivered by the Province of BC.

The arduous journey Splatsin undertook to develop its jurisdiction over its children included the Child Welfare Caravan. During this time, much consultation occurred with Splatsin band members which resulted in Splatsin’s current child legislation. Splatsin also lobbied and received much support from other Indigenous communities, some of whom participated in the Caravan.

Splatsin works in collaboration with families and community to provide preventative and early intervention supports. Their approach is family-centred to prevent families from requiring more intrusive services later. By building networks within the community, Splatsin Stsmamlt Services improves the ability to identify families that may require assistance and subsequently is able to offer specific and effective supports.

Families experience a single point of entry to services and supports. Splatsin Stsmamlt Services begins collaboration with other community-based services and external agency supports from the beginning. This collaborative approach is ongoing and builds a support network to ensure the safety and well-being of Splatsin children and their families.

It is in the best interest of all Splatsin children that they:

• Are safe and protected from physical, sexual, emotional abuse, neglect, harm, the threat of harm or endangerment of their health and well-being;
• Learn and participate in their Splatsin and Secwepemc culture, identity, language, laws and traditions;
• Are cared for within their extended families, the Splatsin community and Secwepemc Nation whenever possible, and kinship and a child’s attachment to their extended family be preserved when possible; and
• Are provided with support and encouragement or ensure and enhance their ability to reach their goals.

Child intervention practice is guided by the principles of community responsibility in child safety. Splatsin Social Workers work alongside the community and families to preserve, reunite and build the capacity of family and the community to care for Splatsin children.

Occasionally, Splatsin may have to bring a child into temporary care or on occasion long term care. Each situation is unique and is treated as such. Aside from protecting a child from harm, family reunification is always at the forefront of service delivery.

We believe in connection and a child’s right to their family, culture and community. Splatsin believes children should maintain connections that are important to them and remain with their families or kin whenever possible. When this is not possible, children are supported to continue these important relationships throughout their lives.

Splatsin Stsmamlt Services understands that, at times, families may require limited support or brief services. This may include emergency groceries, clothing, medical assistance, referral for housing services, childcare and emergency care.

• Bill C92: An Act Respecting First Nations Children & Families
• Truth & Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action around Child Intervention
• UNDRIP: Rights of a Child
• Jordan’s Principle: Maternal Child & Family Health
• Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868
• Foster Parent Help Line: 1-888-495-4440
• Shuswap Children’s Association: 250-833-0164
• Shuswap Family Resource Centre: 250-832-2170
• Salmon Arm Safe Society: 250-832-9616
• North Okanagan Youth and Family Services Society: 250-545-3572
• Archway Society Vernon: 250-542-1122
• BC Child & Youth Advocate: 1-800-476-3933