From Observation to Action: Strengthening School and Agency Collaboration for Children and Youth at Risk

SUDBURY – Kina Gbezhgomi Child & Family Services (KGCFS) is proud to announce the recent signing of a Protocol agreement with the Rainbow District School Board (RDSB) and the Sudbury Catholic District School Board (SCDSB). This significant milestone demonstrated our shared commitment to enhancing collaboration, consultation and coordinated service delivery for the children, youth and families we collectively serve.

The signing ceremony was grounded in spiritual connectedness, cultural teachings, beginning with a cleansing smudge and prayer. Through this ceremony, we acknowledged that our responsibilities extend beyond processes; our roles are deeply rooted in respect and accountability to our communities and future generations.

This protocol agreement creates a clear and collaborative framework for open dialogue between KGCFS and both school boards. It reinforces our shared duty to ensure that children and youth are supported in safe, inclusive and responsive environments, in alignment with the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017.

Teachers and school staff hold a unique and critical role in this work. Unlike many professionals, they observe children over extended periods, witnessing their day-to-day development, behaviour and well-being across weeks and months. This panoramic view of a child’s growth places them in a distinct position to notice changes and help identify when a child may be at risk of abuse or neglect.

With this strengthened partnership, we continue to foster a responsive system of care rooted in trust and shared knowledge. This supports the enhanced early identification of concerns and coordinated approaches to service planning. By strengthening these relationships, we are creating a more integrated system of care that honours the voices of children, families and communities while fulfilling our duty to protect and support them.

For more information about RDSB, SCDSB and KGCFS, we encourage you to visit our respective websites. www.rainbowschools.ca , www.sudburycatholicschools.ca and www.kgcfs.org.

Chi Miigwetch,

Kina Gbezhgomi Child & Family Services (KGCFS)
Denise Morrow,
Executive Director

Rainbow District School Board (RDSB)
Bruce Bourget,
Director of Education

Sudbury Catholic District School Board (SCDSB)
Morris Hucal,
Director of Education