Actions and Commitments: Call to Action # 1
Exploring Theme: "Reducing # of children-in-care"
Updates on this page: 66
April 2, 2024
Indigenous organization hopes additional government money will remove barriers
$6.6 M in funds announced for family resource networks in Alberta Minister Searle Turon speaks in Edmonton at the Bent Arrow Healing Society on April 2, 2024. APTN News: An Indigenous healing organization hopes the announcement of additional money for programs will help remove barriers to accessing services for Indigenous families. “There’s always barriers whether...
March 14, 2024
New family wellness centre planned for Iqaluit
Centre to open in former group home for girls; building has 7 bedrooms, room for office and programs A new family wellness centre will open in Iqaluit on Monday in this building in the Happy Valley neighbourhood, Family Services Minister Margaret Nakashuk has announced. (Photo by David Lochead) NationTalk: Nunatsiaq News – Iqaluit is getting...
October 24, 2023
Judge approves historic $23B First Nations child welfare compensation agreement
The settlement agreement is the largest ever in Canada CBC News: The Federal Court has approved a $23 billion settlement agreement — the largest in Canadian history — for First Nations children and families who experienced racial discrimination through Ottawa’s chronic underfunding of the on-reserve foster care system and other family services. The settlement agreement follows a 2019 Canadian Human...
October 10, 2023
15 New homes for women, children and young adults coming to Hazelton
NationTalk: The Government of Canada and the Government of British Columbia are providing $9.6 million to build 9 new homes and six beds in in Sik-e-Dakh Village for Indigenous women and children leaving violence, children in care, and young adults transitioning out of care. The GCFSS Longhouse is a 15-unit, wood-frame longhouse that is owned...
October 5, 2023
Simpcw expands prevention services to urban families through new agreement
NationTalk: VICTORIA – Simpcw First Nation is partnering with the Province on a two-year project focused on keeping families together through connections to their culture, language, families and traditional decision-making for members who live away from home. “Today is a very proud day for Simpcw as we are now able to fulfil a commitment our...
September 27, 2023
Public Advisory: Premier Furey to Deliver Apology to Former Students of the Residential School System at Cartwright, Labrador
NationTalk: The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will deliver an apology to former students of the residential school system and family members at the Cartwright Recreation Centre in Cartwright, Labrador on Friday, September 29, 2023. The delivery of an apology is being undertaken in collaboration with the NunatuKavut Community Council (NCC), as...
April 13, 2023
More Yukon children in care being placed with family members, report shows
Minister Tracy-Anne McPhee says extended family caregivers keep kids connected to their communities CBC News: More children in the Yukon’s child welfare system are staying with extended family, not community caregivers or group homes, according to a new report. Health and Social Services Minister Tracy-Anne McPhee tabled the 2020-22 annual report for family and children’s...
April 5, 2023
Revised settlement agreement of $23B reached to compensate First Nations children and families
NationTalk: A revised final settlement agreement now totalling more than $23 billion was reached by the Assembly of First Nations (AFN), Moushoom and Trout class actions plaintiffs, the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society, and Canada to compensate those harmed by discriminatory underfunding of the First Nations Child and Family Services program and those...
April 3, 2023
Ottawa adds $3.4B to $20B First Nations child welfare compensation deal
Initial $20 billion deal shortchanged some victims and left others out altogether CBC News – The federal government is adding $3.4 billion to its $20 billion offer for First Nations child welfare compensation, says the Assembly of First Nations and the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada. The organizations issued a press release...
December 21, 2022
First rent supplements begin for youth from care in B.C.
VICTORIA – Young people from government care have more support to make stronger transitions into adulthood because of $600-a-month rent supplements. Beginning this month, 797 young adults from government care began receiving monthly support through the Ministry of Children and Family Development’s new Rent Supplement Program. “We know that youth and young adults from care...
January 4, 2022
CHRT Agreements-in-Principles
Government of Canada – Agreements-in-Principle have been reached on a global resolution related to compensation for those harmed by discriminatory underfunding of First Nations child and family services and to achieve long-term reform of the First Nations Child and Family Services program and Jordan’s Principle, to ensure that no child faces discrimination again. First Agreements-in-Principle –...
December 22, 2021
Emergency Child Welfare Meeting updates
For a complete update on current initiatives and progress on advancing the 6-point action plan for each Indigenous group – First Nations, Métis and Inuit – click on the link below: https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1541188016680/1541188055649...
October 29, 2021
Birth Alerts
New Brunswick Minister of Aboriginal Affairs announces they will stop issuing Birth Alerts to apprehend Indigenous babies...
June 20, 2021
Appointment of Chief Commissioner for Commission of Inquiry
The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Innu Nation today announced the appointment of retired Provincial Court Judge James Igloliorte as Chief Commissioner for the Commission of Inquiry into the Treatment, Experiences and Outcomes of Innu in the Child Protection System. The Chief Commissioner will be joined by Anastasia Qupee of Sheshatshiu, former Grand...
June 1, 2021
Anishinabek Child, Youth, and Family Well-Being Agreement-in-Principle
The Anishinabek Nation and Canada signed the Agreement-in-Principle on Anishinabek Child, Youth, and Family Well-Being. Grand Council Chief Niganobe signed on behalf of 22 member First Nations and the Anishinabek Nation, and the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, and the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Indigenous Services, signed on behalf of the Government...
April 1, 2021
Niijaansinaanik Child and Family Services
The Ontario government announced today that Niijaansinaanik Child and Family Services has been designated as the province’s 13th Indigenous children’s aid society. The official designation will enable Niijaansinaanik Child and Family Services (NCFS) to provide culturally-based services and supports to more Indigenous children and families in the Districts of Nipissing and Parry Sound, and the...
February 1, 2021
End of Birth Alerts
PEI to end the practice of Birth Alerts in the province....
February 1, 2021
End of Birth Alerts
Announced that the province will end the practice of Birth Alerts as of Feb. 1, 2021...
September 4, 2020
Mousham Class-Action Lawsuit
Canadian Press – the federal government has agreed to certify the claims put forward by the Assembly of First Nations and the Moushoom class counsel in their class-action lawsuit from Feb. 12, 2020 and enter into mediation to reach a negotiated settlement for damages and justice for the thousands of First Nations children and families that...
July 29, 2020
Child Welfare System Reform
The Ontario government released its plan today to modernize the child welfare system. The strategy focuses on strengthening families and communities through prevention, early intervention and seeking more permanent homes for children and youth in care when they cannot stay in their own homes or communities. The strategy to redesign the child welfare system has...
July 14, 2020
End of Birth Alerts
Government of Ontario announced the end of the use of Birth Alerts which was a recommendation from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. This new approach will improve pre- and post-natal services by promoting collaboration between children’s aid societies, hospitals, service providers, Indigenous partners and community-based service providers. It has...
June 23, 2020
Birth Alerts announcement
The Province of Manitoba has announced it will end the controversial practice of birth alerts on June 30, 2020 and will instead refer vulnerable mothers and their children to social services and programs. Under the new system, Stefanson said Manitoba Child and Family Services (CFS) agencies will now be able to refer more women to...
June 3, 2020
2020 – 2021 Action Plans: Reconciliation
Reconciliation Commitment to Change Working Group Increase membership on working group based on revised terms of reference; Support the activities of the Commitment to Change working group; Continue with online resource development for members; BOD to make decision regarding land acknowledgement and staff signature. Reconciliation Actions Completed Membership filled Interim and final report regarding action plan...
May 28, 2020
CDPDJ response to Laurent Commission
CISION – The Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL) and the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Health and Social Services Commission (FNQLHSSC) are favourably welcoming several of the recommendations made by the Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse (CDPDJ) in the brief it tabled this morning in the...
May 26, 2020
The First Nations Children and Youth in Care Protocol
The First Nations Children and Youth in Care Protocol commits the Province and First Nations to work together on specific issues and initiatives, seeking to improve the educational outcomes and well-being of Indigenous children and youth in care, and former youth in care through legislative, policy and practice reform and family services. Work will include...
March 26, 2020
Delay of cancellation of Birth Alerts
Government delays the cancellation of their Birth alert policy due to be implemented on April 1, 2020 citing COVID-19 as the rationale. See also Problems and Issues in Child Welfare on Home Page....
December 19, 2019
Statement of Apology and Commitment to Reconciliation
CASW Statement of Apology and Commitment to Reconciliation” – The Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) acknowledges its role in supporting the implementation of residential schools and affirming the approach to child welfare that led to the 60s scoop through the promotion of discriminatory policies with the underlying motivation to dispossess Indigenous peoples from their...
September 16, 2019
B.C. ends controversial birth alert system that affected Indigenous mothers disproportionately
The Globe and Mail: British Columbia will no longer ask hospitals to alert child-welfare authorities if they believe newborns could be at risk of harm due to their parents’ backgrounds, a practice that resulted in more than half of such notifications being issued for Indigenous mothers. The B.C. government on Monday said it would end...
September 6, 2019
Draft Child and Youth Advocate Act
Feathers of Hope: In July, a draft of the Child and Youth Advocate Act was prepared with intent to establish the Office of the Child and Youth Advocate as independent from government and reporting to the PEI Legislative Assembly. One of the intents of the proposed legislation is “Recognize the importance of the preservation and promotion of...
August 23, 2019
Minister of Children and Women’s Issues Survey
Minister of Children and Women’s Issues announced the launch of an engagement with youth, families, caregivers, frontline workers and child welfare sector leaders to strengthen the child welfare system for children and youth. The government encourages youth, families, caregivers and frontline workers to provide feedback on their experiences and ideas through an online survey, which will...
August 1, 2019
Empty Spaces – Caring Connections
Together, partners in Yukon are working toward reducing the number of First Nations children in care, increasing proactive support for children and their families, and supporting children to grow up with strong connections to their language and culture. A systemic review of the child welfare system “Empty Spaces – Caring Connections” was recently conducted by...
June 10, 2019
Restoring the Sacred Bond
Manitoba’s first social impact bond (SIB) will launch this fall. Southern First Nations Network of Care (SFNNC) has successfully raised the more than $2.6 million required from private investors to deliver Restoring the Sacred Bond – a project designed to connect at-risk Indigenous mothers with doulas, also known as birth helpers. Manitoba’s first social impact...
June 5, 2019
2019-2020 Action Plans: Reconciliation
Commitment to Change Working Group Support the activities of the Commitment to Change working group; Begin online resource development for members. Follow up with the commitments made on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action Implement pertinent elements of the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Call for Justice of the Final...
May 29, 2019
Special Parliamentary Committee on Youth Protection
Creation of a Special Parliamentary Committee on Youth Protection. The commission will have 18 months to do its work examining child protection services with a report and recommendations to be submitted to the government in November, 2020. The statistics show a critical and alarming situation. In addition to reviewing the functioning of the Direction de...
April 13, 2019
Mi’kmaq First Nations create new child welfare agency
CBC: Seven Mi’kmaq First Nations in New Brunswick have created a new child welfare agency aimed at preventing children from being taken away from their homes and families. Mi’kmaq NB Child and Family Services Inc. — made up of First Nations in Eel River Bar, Fort Folly, Indian Island, Buctouche, Pabineau, Metepenagiag and Eel Ground...
March 18, 2019
Trilateral Table Terms of Reference
Announcement that Terms of Reference are now in place for the Yukon Trilateral Table on the Wellbeing of Yukon First Nations Children and Families. Established in 2018, the Trilateral Table has provided the first real opportunity for all three parties to work together to improve child and family services for Yukon First Nations. The signing...
March 15, 2019
Anishinabek Nation Community Well-Being and Jurisdiction Initiative
The Government of Canada is supporting the Anishinabek Nation in their efforts to improve the safety and well-being of First Nations children and families and rebuild their nations in a manner that responds to the priorities and unique needs of their nation. Announcement of Indigenous Services Canada’s contribution of over $1.5 million in funding for...
March 15, 2019
Partnership Agreements with Saskatoon Tribal Council
The Government of Saskatchewan and the Saskatoon Tribal Council (STC) officially signed agreements to work toward “meaningful improvements in the lives of children, youth and families”: a new Delegation Agreement, Children and Families Reconciliation Partnership Agreement and First Contact Panel Protocol. The partnership agreement identifies a number of short-term and longer-term priorities, including: Reviewing plans...
March 5, 2019
First Contact Panel Protocol with Saskatoon Tribal Council
The Government of Saskatchewan and the Saskatoon Tribal Council (STC) have agreed to work together toward better outcomes for Indigenous children, youth and families. One of the first priorities for the province and STC is the implementation of a “First Contact Panel Protocol.” The protocol will bring Social Services and STC representatives together in a...
March 1, 2019
On-Reserve Programs
Currently on P.E.I., Marilyn Birch, director of the child and family services program with the Mi’kmaq Confederacy of P.E.I. said the province provides child protection services to all children who live on the Island, while the confederacy program provides prevention and early intervention services for children in families that live on-reserve....
January 25, 2019
Cowichan Tribes LOU
Signing of a Letter of Understanding (LOU) to support the development of a framework and process for Cowichan Tribes to exercise their jurisdiction over child and family services for their members. This LOU between Canada, British Columbia and the Cowichan Tribes provides a framework that charts the path forward in recognizing and implementing Cowichan jurisdiction...
December 8, 2018
AMC and Canada MOU
Minister of Indigenous Services, the Honourable Jane Philpott, along with the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, the Honourable Carolyn Bennett and Grand Chief Arlen Dumas of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs signed an MOU aimed at achieving concrete outcomes in child welfare, and supporting the needs and aspirations of First Nations in Manitoba. The...
September 6, 2018
Indigenous Resilience, Connectedness and Reunification
Implementing the recommendations from Grand Chief Ed John’s report, Indigenous Resilience, Connectedness and Reunification – From Root Causes to Root Solutions, and provide better supports so Indigenous children grow up in their communities and not in care. http://cwrp.ca/sites/default/files/publications/en/final-report-of-grand-chief-ed-john-re-indig-child-welfare-in-bc-november-2016.pdf...
August 21, 2018
Huu-ay-aht First Nations Social Services Project
Minister of Indigenous Services, announced funding to support the Huu-ay-aht First Nations Social Services Project on child and family services ($4.2M/yr for 5 years; BC Govt $400K). The Province of British Columbia is also providing financial and other support to this initiative. Federal funding will go towards community initiatives such as expanding current pregnancy support...
July 23, 2018
Secwépemc Chiefs signed a tripartite MOU with the provincial and federal governments
Secwépemc Chiefs signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the provincial and federal governments on jurisdiction for child and family services. This MOU provides a framework that charts the path forward in recognizing and implementing Secwépemc jurisdiction. “Keeping children and families together, surrounded by their culture and community, is critical for the well-being and...
June 5, 2018
Métis Nation BC and BC Government sign Joint Commitment
The 90,000-strong Métis community in British Columbia is one step closer to taking over child welfare authority for their children and families, with the historic signing of an MNBC and British Columbia Joint Commitment between the Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) and the Province setting the goal of transferring authority to MBNC by 2021. The...
May 30, 2018
2018-19 Action Plan: Reconciliation
Reconciliation A. Working Group. Support the activities of the working group. B. Follow up with the commitments made on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action. Implement pertinent elements of the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission through the following initiatives; Support and implement the Accord in Indigenous Education; Offer support...
April 12, 2018
Joint Commitment to Policy and Funding Reform for First Nations Child and Family Services in Ontario
Governments of Canada and Ontario and Chiefs of Ontario signed a Joint Commitment to Policy and Funding Reform for First Nations Child and Family Services in Ontario to improve outcomes and opportunities for all First Nations children, youth, and families and to reduce the number of children and youth in care. This recognizes, in particular, the...
April 9, 2018
Yukon Child-Welfare explores BC agencies
The Council of Yukon First Nations (CYFN) organized and led a delegation of Yukon-based child welfare professionals on a tour of six BC child welfare agencies run by local indigenous groups. The fact-finding mission supports Yukon First Nations’ interest in exploring options for child welfare services in the Yukon. Yukon does not have a First Nations-led child...
March 27, 2018
Métis Nation-sponsored Summit on “The Child and Family Services Conference”
The Government of Canada announced at Métis Nation-sponsored Summit on The Child and Family Services Conference direct dialogue with the Métis National Council Governing Members on the over-representation of Métis children and youth in the child welfare systems in Ontario and the four western provinces. Discussions in the child and family services area will be undertaken...
March 1, 2018
Bringing Change to Life
In recognition of the complex relationship between Indigenous people and communities and the land we now call Canada, the three pillars of the profession have chosen the theme Bringing Change to Life to open space for the social work profession to reflect and act on reconciliation. Affirmation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, and...
February 20, 2018
Nations of Treaty 8 Urban Child and Family Services
Official grand opening of the Nations of Treaty 8 Urban Child and Family Services Office in Edmonton. The Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta designed the concept of an urban office as an approach to provide prevention and early intervention services to children and families on reserve. The Urban Office will provide services to children...
January 25, 2018
Reconciliation Charter
Formal response to Emergency Meeting in Child and Family Services in Ottawa: The Reconciliation Charter is a high-level political commitment to achieve child-welfare reform focused on addressing current policy and legislative frameworks related to First Nations children and families. It is also focused on improving relations, identifying potential governance models for First Nations communities and...
January 25, 2018
Emergency Meeting on Child and Family Services
Emergency Meeting on Child and Family Services between federal and provincial and territory government officials and leaders of Indigenous groups. Priorities: Continuing the work to fully implement all orders from the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal; Shifting the programming focus to prevention and early intervention; Exploring the potential for co-developed federal child welfare legislation; Supporting Inuit...
November 21, 2017
CASW Board Commitment to Reconciliation
The CASW Board made the decision to emphasize Reconciliation as a priority with the intention of developing an action plan to pursue reconciliation and promote understanding. The first meeting of the Board on this topic alone took place November 21, 2017, with many possible avenues to explore....
November 18, 2017
Lii Michif Otipemisiwak Family and Community Services
Ministry of Children and Family Development delegates child-protection authority for Métis families in the Kamloops area to Lii Michif Otipemisiwak Family and Community Services. We’re working collaboratively and respectfully with Indigenous and Métis agencies and communities to ensure they have the right tools, funding and support to make a difference for the children and families...
September 7, 2017
Ontario Indigenous Children and Youth Strategy in Treaty 3 Territory
Agreement reaffirms a commitment to work together to improve outcomes and opportunities for Anishinaabe children and youth in Treaty 3 territory, through the co-implementation of the Ontario Indigenous Children and Youth Strategy to transform the system of services for children and youth. Grand Council Treaty 3 is the traditional govt of the Anishinaabe Nation, comprising...
July 24, 2017
Letter of Accord to reform child and family services
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada and Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations signed a Letter of Accord to reform child and family services for First Nations. Canada is providing funding of $441,176 to FSIN to begin its work with communities. Their findings will contribute greatly to long-term strategic planning and the redesign of how child and...
July 4, 2017
MOU for Inquiry of Innu in Child Protection System
The Innu signed an MOU with the government to pursue an inquiry into the treatment, experiences and outcomes of Innu in the child protection system. The province and the Innu Leadership will seek to reach an agreement by July 31, 2017 on the Terms of Reference specifying the process and objectives of the inquiry. ...
May 31, 2017
2017-18 Action Plan: Reconciliation
The 2017-2018 Action Plan continues to build on priorities identified during the board planning sessions in 2016, and it provides for continuation of some of the specific initiatives associated with the 2016-2017 Action Plan. Reparation Fulfil the commitments made in the new Statement of Complicity and Commitment to Change; Respond to the Calls to Action...
April 7, 2017
Reconciliation Charter
Reconciliation Charter: tripartite agreement between Governments of Canada and BC and First Nations Leadership Council to reduce the number of First Nations children in care, to keep families together and support First Nations youth to successfully transition out of care....
February 2, 2017
Ontario Indigenous Children and Youth Strategy
First Nations, Métis, Inuit and urban Indigenous communities and organizations have authority to care for their children and youth. First Nations, Métis, Inuit and urban Indigenous children and youth have access to preventive services focused on well-being, culture and opportunities. The child and youth service workforce is equipped to provide high quality, integrated and culturally...
June 1, 2016
2016-17 Action Plan: Reconciliation
The 2016-2017 Action Plan re-affirms the four overall directions articulated in last year’s Action plan, including the following for Reconciliation: Marking the first-year anniversary of the Call to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission through the following three initiatives: Working group to prepare a statement of social work complicity in colonialization; Thunderbird Circle will...
January 26, 2016
CASW Response to CHRT ruling
CASW applauds the decision to acknowledge the federal government’s egregious discrimination of First Nations children by underfunding child welfare on reserves. Today’s Human Rights Tribunal ruling in favour of the Assembly of First Nations and the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society is a major victory in the fight against inequity in Canada. Beyond...
August 5, 2015
CASW Commitment to Reconciliation
CASW pledges support to Aboriginal communities and organizations in implementing all recommendations. The profession of social work recognizes the very specific role and responsibility it has in supporting the implementation of the TRC recommendations with emphasis on those specific to Child Welfare. To this end, CASW calls on the current Government of Canada to immediately...
January 1, 1970
Indigenous Engagement Process for Child Welfare Reform
Government satisfied with the high participation in the government’s engagement process with youth, families, caregivers and frontline workers to improve the child welfare system. The government will also be engaging directly with Indigenous partners, service providers and stakeholders for their input. All participants will be asked for their insights about the gaps, barriers, and opportunities...
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