Understanding and Working with Child & Family Services

This professional development opportunity is intended for anyone working with families in Manitoba.

Presented by the Child & Family All Nations Coordinated Response Network (ANCR), this two-hour webinar will inform participants about the role of Child and Family Services (CFS) and encourage collaboration with them.

Child and Family Services (CFS) is a division within the Manitoba Department of Families responsible for delivering child protection and family support services across the province. Operating under The Child and Family Services Act and The Adoption Act, its primary mandate is to protect children from abuse and neglect while providing resources to keep families safely together.

This webinar aims to cover:

• Common misconceptions about CFS and the positive role of CFS
• Discipline approaches that are acceptable and not acceptable in Canada
• Early intervention and prevention-focused supports, including when and how families can seek help
• Rights and responsibilities during a CFS Intervention

Presenters: 

Kedeen Cummings hails from the beautiful island of Jamaica and has called Winnipeg home for the past two decades. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Conflict Resolution Studies and International Development Studies from the University of Winnipeg and later completed her Master of Social Work at the University of North Dakota.

Kedeen currently serves as the Early Intervention Supervisor for the All Nations Family Resource Centre team at Child & Family All Nations Coordinated Response Network (ANCR). Prior to this role, she worked for five years as an Intake Assessment Worker, supporting children, youth, and families through the assessment and referral process. She also has experience in settlement services, helping newcomers navigate their transition and access community supports.

Throughout her career, volunteer work, and community advocacy, Kedeen has remained passionate about strengthening individuals, families, and communities. She is a firm believer that “kindness is the oil that takes the friction out of life,” a philosophy that guides both her personal and professional approach to supporting others.

Ashley Brown is the Director of Early Intervention Programs at ANCR and began in this role in March of 2025.  Prior to this she spent 16 years working in various roles within the Metis Child and Family Services Agency and Authority.  Ashley has a Bachelor of Social Work and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Manitoba and is driven by a commitment to family led practice, attachment theory, trauma informed approaches and creating meaningful change in Manitoba’s child welfare system.

Logistic Notes:

• This is an online event. You will need to have access to a computer/ laptop or other devices with a webcam & microphone, as well as an internet connection. 

• Accessibility accommodations are available on advance request. If you have any questions, concerns or inquiries, please email Justine Trinh at j.trinh@mansomanitoba.ca or call 204-272-0872.

• This webinar will be delivered virtually via Zoom. The link will be sent by email upon registration.