UNIT 1: The Child Protection Role of the Office of Children's Services

The Office of Children’s Services, or OCS, is the State of Alaska agency mandated to provide child protective services to Alaska’s children. It investigates child abuse and neglect reports, provides case management to families who have abused or neglected their children, oversees the foster care program, and facilitates the adoption or guardianship of children who are unable to return home.

In this unit, you will learn about the different roles and functions of the Office of Children's Services, what kinds of children come into the foster care system, and the role of the Indian Child Welfare Act.