About Us
We understand that every family’s situation is different, and we respond with compassion, professionalism, and confidentiality.
Youth Protection services respond to reports involving situations such as neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, exposure to conjugal or domestic violence, psychological or emotional harm, and challenging behaviours that may place the child or others at risk. KSCS’s approach, as mandated by the community, is to address all situations using the least disruptive measures possible, keeping family preservation at the forefront of every decision.
Our community strongly believes that children belong with their families whenever it is safe and appropriate. For this reason, our goal is always to maintain the child within their family whenever possible. When placement outside of the home becomes necessary, we prioritize reunification and long-term healing for both the child and the family.
Under the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA), our team also works with Kahnawà:ke youth involved with the justice system. We receive referrals directly from the Crown Prosecutor’s Office, regardless of which provincial court a youth is charged in. Our services include assessment, orientation related to court-diverted charges, follow-up on probation orders, and the preparation of Pre-Decisional Reports to assist the judge in determining a fair and informed outcome for the youth.
What We Offer
Youth Protection and YCJA Services provide a wide range of mandated services to children, youth, and families in Kahnawà:ke. These services are guided by community values and legal responsibilities, and are designed to respond to the safety, well-being, and developmental needs of young people and their families.
We tailor every intervention to the specific needs of the child and family. In some cases, this includes bringing in in-home parenting support to help families establish consistent routines and healthy dynamics.
Evaluation of reports concerning the safety or development of a child.
Application of youth protection measures when intervention is required.
Assistance to families in crisis or in need of structured support.
Crisis intervention and de-escalation in emergency situations.
Safety planning for children and families at risk.
Reassessment of ongoing cases to determine whether continued intervention is necessary.
Guidance and follow-up for youth navigating the justice system.
Writing of pre-decisional reports for court.
Connection to culturally appropriate and community-based services.
Referral to internal KSCS services and trusted external providers.
Collaboration and Support
We work in close collaboration with KSCS departments and external partners to ensure families receive well-rounded, coordinated support. Internal connections include KSCS Intake, Addictions Response Services, S-5 (Intervention Services), Psychological Services, Traditional Services, Parenting Programs, and Foster Care and Case Aide Services.
When a youth or family requires additional support, we may refer them to external resources such as in-home parenting workers, youth treatment programs, or clinical service providers.
When a child must be placed outside of their home, our first priority is to place them with a foster family within the community. The KSCS Foster Care team plays a key role in recruiting, retaining, and supporting local foster homes, helping to ensure children remain connected to their community, culture, and identity whenever possible.
In cases where a local placement is not available or appropriate, we work with trusted sister communities such as Akwesasne, including the Akwesasne Group Home. In certain situations, we may also access specialized youth centres in the Montérégie and Montreal regions.
Our team supports each child and family through every step of the process, ensuring continuity, respect, and dignity in all aspects of care.
Commitment to the Community
We recognize that reaching out for Youth Protection or justice-related services can feel overwhelming. There is often fear or stigma attached to asking for help, but we want families to know that our role is one of support, not punishment. We are here to listen, assess, and guide families through difficult times with care and cultural sensitivity.
Our commitment is to keep children safe, preserve the family whenever possible, and ensure that youth involved in the justice system are treated fairly and given opportunities to grow, learn, and heal. Every case is approached with the belief that families can change, youth can succeed, and community support can make a lasting difference.
Contact Us
To learn more about Youth Protection or YCJA Services or to access our programs, please call 1-450-632-6880 and ask to speak with Intake Services, or fill out our Intake Services contact form linked below.