What to Expect When You Call Us
What happens when you call us?
Someone from our advocacy team will speak with you. You can also drop by our office in Winnipeg or our office in Thompson. If you drop by either office in person, we can also meet with you when you arrive.
Your conversations with us are confidential, which means that we will not tell anyone you have contacted us, unless you give us permission to tell the people involved. We will ask you questions like:
- What do you need help with?
- What have you tried so far?
- How do you want us to help?
If you need help calling us ask someone you trust to call for you. If you are in a foster home, group home or placed outside your home by a child and family service agency you have the right to contact our office.
What can the Manitoba Advocate for Children and Youth do for you?
We can, and will:
- Listen to your concerns.
- Support, assist, and advise children, youth, young adults, and their families about available services in Manitoba.
- Represent the rights, interests, and viewpoints of children, youth, and young adults.
- Organize and host meetings so different service providers in your life can be called together to improve communication and help you understand the decisions that are being made which affect you.
- Intervene in situations when our help is requested.
EMERGENCY CONTACTS
If you are concerned for your immediate safety or the immediate safety of a child, call 911.
If you aren’t in immediate danger, but you need to report a child protection concern, you can call CFS at (204) 944-4200 in Winnipeg, or outside Winnipeg 1-888-834-9767 (toll-free).
Always remember that when a decision is being made about you, you have a right to speak your mind, be listened to, and be a part of making that decision.
If you don’t agree with a decision, or feel that your views weren’t taken seriously, you have a right to be heard. You also have the right to have someone you trust help you say what you need to say.