MCFD Transformation
Last updated on April 9, 2025We understand the importance of achieving improved outcomes for this generation of children, youth and families in British Columbia (B.C.), and that's why the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) is focused on transforming the child and family services system.
In doing so, we will listen to and incorporate input from those we work with and those we serve – Indigenous and non-Indigenous children, youth and families.
We commit to ongoing collaboration, cooperation and consultation with families, Indigenous rights holders and partners, front-line staff, Indigenous Child and Family Service Agencies, service providers, sector partners, and others who work so hard to support children, youth and families in B.C.
The Declaration Act aims to create a path forward that includes better transparency and predictability in the work we do together, ensuring the rights and well-being of Indigenous peoples, children, youth and families are upheld.
A Letter of Commitment (PDF, 247KB) to the First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) confirms the Ministry's responsibilities in our collaborative work with the First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) and Indigenous governments to transform child and family services and systems. See supporting infographic (PDF, 571KB).
On this page
- Priority initiatives
- Progress on supporting services
- Changes to policy, practice, regulation and legislation
Priority initiatives
Below you will find an overview of the key strategies we are focused on to achieve the goals of our MCFD 2024/25 to 2026/27 Service Plan (PDF, 286KB).
This is not all of the work in the Ministry. We acknowledge the extraordinary efforts of front-line ministry staff, Indigenous Child and Family Services Agencies, and our valued partners who work so hard to support the children, youth and families we serve.
Indigenous reconciliation
Addressing the over-representation of the child and family services system in the lives of Indigenous children and youth and upholding Indigenous people’s inherent rights to exercise jurisdiction over child and family services.
Prevention and family supports
A focus on early and ongoing support— prioritizing keeping families safely together.
Youth and young adult transitions
Ensuring that youth and young adults transitioning to adulthood from government care have the tools, resources, and social supports to transition successfully to adulthood and adult services.
Network of care
Ensuring that the services and supports provided in the network of care are driven by a child or youth’s needs.
Progress on supporting services
Below you will find an overview of the supporting services we are focused on to achieve the goals of our Service Plan. As we move forward with changes we will seek input.
Changes to policy, practice, regulation and legislation
The ministry regularly makes focused changes to specific policies, practices, regulations, and/or legislation. Public and partner input is a key part of our development process. We are committed to providing meaningful opportunities for Indigenous engagement as part of this work. As we move forward with changes, we will continue to seek input. The following are examples of how we engage with Indigenous partners.
- MCFD is engaging with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples, organizations and service providers and other sector partners to explore policy and authorization options to improve safety and service delivery for children, youth, and families in several areas. These are important focus areas that relate to safety planning and improved procedural protections for parents, supervision and restraining orders, and domestic violence, among others. MCFD is prioritizing this work in 2025. For more information, contact Eric.Hallman@gov.bc.ca.
- Indigenous Child and Family Service Newsletter: March 2025 (PDF, 1.4MB)
- Indigenous Child and Family Service Correspondence Archive