About the Department of Families

The Department of Families is responsible for a wide range of programs and services that are delivered by the department, or by community-based partner organizations. The department is organized into the following divisions:   

Administration and Finance

The Administration and Finance division provides centralized financial services, comptrollership, project management and information systems support. The division provides support to the department and to external funded agencies.  

Administration and Finance Policies and Forms

Corporate Services

The Corporate Services division provides centralized internal services to the department. It is also accountable for the effective operations of the Adult Abuse Registry Committee and supports three independent offices: The Social Services Appeal Board, the Fair Practices Office, and the Office of the Vulnerable Persons’ Commissioner.

The division also houses the Disabilities Issues Office (DIO), responsible for supporting the implementation of The Accessibility for Manitobans Act. The DIO supports the Accessibility Advisory Council and works with community organizations to improve accessibility and inclusion for Manitobans who are disabled by barriers.

Child and Youth Services

The Child and Youth Services division administers funding for the provision of child and family services (CFS) and other supports for children and families. The division works with the four CFS Authorities and agencies, community-based service providers and others to help keep children safe and protected, and to assist at-risk children, youth and families.

The division supports and delivers specialized services, including provincial abuse investigations and registries, adoption and post-adoption services, and Tracia’s Trust: Manitoba’s Strategy to Prevent Sexual Exploitation and Human Trafficking.

The division delivers the Early Learning and Child Care Program (ELCC), which is responsible for Manitoba’s regulated ELCC system, including funding and program support, providing subsidies to eligible families and supporting children with additional needs in child care settings.

The division develops, implements and evaluates strategies affecting children in collaboration with the Social Innovation Office.

Community Service Delivery

The Community Service Delivery division delivers many of the department’s programs through a province-wide network of community-based offices. In Winnipeg, services are provided in partnership with the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority. The division also operates the Manitoba Developmental Centre.

The division helps adults with intellectual disabilities to live and participate in the community through Community Living disABILITY Services, which includes funding and supports for residential services, day services, and transportation. The division helps children with disabilities, their families and caregivers through Children’s disABILITY Services, and provides funding for the Children’s Therapy Initiative, early intervention autism services, and external agencies that deliver specialized services.

The division delivers the Employment and Income Assistance (EIA) program for eligible Manitobans. EIA provides allowances for basic and essential living, shelter and health needs, as well as employment supports for people who are able to work.

Manitoba Housing

Manitoba Housing is responsible for the development and management of housing policies and programs. The Manitoba Housing and Renewal Corporation (MHRC) is governed by a Board of Directors, with policy direction provided by the government.

The division supports the development of safe and affordable housing, particularly for those of low and moderate income or those with specialized needs. Programs are delivered directly or in partnership with private, non-profit, and cooperative organizations and community-based service providers. The division also helps to provide emergency shelter services across Manitoba.