Backgrounder - First Nations Child and Family Services

The core objective of INAC’s First Nations Child and Family Services (FNCFS) program is to ensure the safety and well-being of First Nations children on reserve by supporting culturally appropriate prevention and protection services for First Nations children and families. This is done in accordance with legislation and standards of the province or territory to create a more secure and stable family environment for children living on reserve.

Historically, there has been no federal child welfare legislation as Child and Family Services are regulated by provincial legislation. The Government of Canada, through Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC), formed agreements with many provincial governments to support the delivery of child and family services on reserve. Under the agreements, INAC reimbursed the provinces for services which were provided. In more recent years, First Nations Child and Family Services agencies have emerged in many communities operating under provincial legislation but funded by INAC.

In 2007, INAC renovated its approach to Child and Family Services by introducing an Enhanced Prevention-Focused Approach that will ensure that more First Nations children and parents get the help they need to prevent the types of crises that lead to intervention and family breakdown.

First Nations Child and Family Services agencies in Alberta entered into a partnership with INAC and the provincial government in 2007. In July 2008, partnerships were also reached with Child and Family Services agencies in the provinces of Saskatchewan and Nova Scotia.  In August 2009 two other provinces, Quebec and Prince Edward Island entered into partnerships.

The core objective of INAC’s First Nations Child and Family Services (FNCFS) program is to ensure the safety and well-being of First Nations children on reserve by supporting culturally appropriate prevention and protection services for First Nations children and families. This is done in accordance with legislation and standards of the province or territory to create a more secure and stable family environment for children living on reserve.

Historically, there has been no federal child welfare legislation as Child and Family Services are regulated by provincial legislation. The Government of Canada, through Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC), formed agreements with many provincial governments to support the delivery of child and family services on reserve. Under the agreements, INAC reimbursed the provinces for services which were provided. In more recent years, First Nations Child and Family Services agencies have emerged in many communities operating under provincial legislation but funded by INAC.

In 2007, INAC renovated its approach to Child and Family Services by introducing an Enhanced Prevention-Focused Approach that will ensure that more First Nations children and parents get the help they need to prevent the types of crises that lead to intervention and family breakdown.

First Nations Child and Family Services agencies in Alberta entered into a partnership with INAC and the provincial government in 2007. In July 2008, partnerships were also reached with Child and Family Services agencies in the provinces of Saskatchewan and Nova Scotia.  In August 2009 two other provinces, Quebec and Prince Edward Island entered into partnerships.

Prince Edward Island First Nations Child and Family Services

Under Canada’s Economic Action Plan, First Nations Child and Family Services agencies in PEI will receive approximately $1.7 million in new funding over five years, in addition to already existing CFS program funding. First Nations, in collaboration with INAC and the province, will develop individual business plans to access the new funding.

On behalf of the Abegweit and Lennox Island First Nations, the Mi’kmaq Confederacy of Prince Edward Island, in collaboration with the Minister of Child and Family Services, administers child welfare services to PEI First Nations living on-reserve.

The Framework with PEI and First Nations in PEI will provide $1.7 million in new investments over five years. There were 13 First Nations children in care (out of the parental home) as of March 31, 2008, which represented 6.1% of First Nations children on-reserve. Total INAC expenditure for that fiscal year was $1.1 million.

The enhanced prevention-focused approach will support:

• Families getting the support and services they need before they reach a crisis;
  
  
• Community-based services and the child welfare system working together so families receive more appropriate services in a timely manner;
  
  
• First Nations children in care benefiting from permanent homes (placements) sooner by, for example, involving families in planning alternative care options; and
  
  
• Coordinated services and supports that best help the family.