In Manitoba, the Child and Family Services (CFS) Division of the Department of Family Services oversees family supports and protection services to children delivered under the mandate of The Child and Family Services Act (1985). The Child and Family Services Authorities Act (2003) created four authorities (First Nations Authority of Northern Manitoba, First Nations Authority of Southern Manitoba, Metis Authority and General Authority) that oversee services, disperse funds and ensure that culturally appropriate services are delivered by their respective agencies consistent with relevant legislation. The Authorities have mandated 23 legally distinct agencies, of which 17 are First Nations child welfare agencies; three are non-Aboriginal, private child welfare agencies; two are Metis child welfare agencies; and one is the Department of Family Services (of which there are multiple offices in five areas of the province). Fourteen child welfare agencies have also been named as Designated Intake Agencies (DIAs) which function as central intake services in various geographic regions of the province. DIAs conduct initial intakes/brief investigations and then transfer cases that will remain open to receive ongoing services to an agency of the authority of the family’s choosing. A unique feature of CFS in Manitoba is that families may decide from which authority they wish to receive services regardless of the region in which they reside. For more information, please see the information sheet on Manitoba's child welfare system.