Frequently Asked Questions

First Nations Child and Family Services Program

Q. 1 What is the Objective of the First Nations Child and Family Services Program? 

 A. The main objective of the program is to ensure the safety and well-being of First Nations children on-reserve. The program supports culturally appropriate prevention and protection services for First Nations children and families, in accordance with the legislation and standards of the province and territory of residence with an anticipated result of having a more secure and stable family environment for children on reserve.

First Nations Child and Family Services Agencies are mandated by provinces and territories to provide protection (through foster care, institutional care and group homes services) and prevention services (family supports and in-home services) for First Nation children and families at risk on reserve. Service standards must be in accordance with provincial / territorial legislation and standards. (Currently, program funding is mostly allocated to protection services, rather than prevention services, which could allow children to remain safely in their homes.)

Q. 2 What is the current budget for the Child and Family Services Program?

A. Indian and Northern Affairs Canada expenditures for these services in 2005-06 were approximately $417 million, and are projected to amount to $445 million for fiscal year 2006-2007 and $466 million for fiscal year 2007-2008.

 Q. 3 How many First Nations-run child and family service agencies are there in Canada?

 A. The First Nations Child and Family Services Program supports 105 First Nations Child and Family Services Agencies to deliver child and family services to approximately 160,000 children and youth in approximately 447 out of 573 First Nation communities.

Q. 4 What is the main reason for such a large number of First Nations children in care and why is the number increasing so drastically?

A. The 2003 Child Incidence Survey indicated that major contributing reasons for children coming into care are poverty, poor housing conditions, substance abuse and exposure to family violence - conditions that may be found on reserve.

Q. 5 Given the state of social conditions found in First Nations communities, (poor housing, child welfare, violence against women, etc) what does INAC plan to do to address the immediate needs of First Nations children living on reserve?

A. INAC programs address many of the socio-economic factors that affect the immediate needs of First Nations children living on reserve. The programs that are provided include: the Housing Program and Ministerial Guarantees, Economic Development, Education Program, Income Assistance and National Child Benefit Reinvestment. INAC also funds the Child and Family Services program to support First Nations in the provision of child welfare services on reserve.

However, it is not the sole responsibility of INAC to address these First Nations children's needs. Other federal programs are also in place to address the socioeconomic conditions facing First Nations children on reserve which would include Health Canada's National Native Alcohol and Drug Addiction Program and Aboriginal Human Resources Development Strategy at Human Resources and Skills Development Canada.

 Q. 6 How does funding flow through the provinces to First Nations Child and Family service organizations?

 A. Where First Nations have been delegated responsibility by a province, INAC directly funds First Nation Child and Family Service Agencies to provide services.

Where the First Nations do not have delegation to deliver child and family services from the province, INAC reimburses the province for services provided to Indian children living on-reserve.

In Ontario, the Province of Ontario determines the budget for local children's aid societies and INAC cost-shares the cost of child and family services with the province under the terms of the 1965 Memorandum of Agreement Respecting Welfare Programs for Indians.

Q. 7 Can INAC divert funds from Child and Family Services to deal with other emergencies - like the water crises in some First Nations communities?

A. Child and family services budget allocations cannot be reallocated within the region for other regional priorities. These are targeted funds expressly for the use of child and family services. All regions are required to adhere to strict accountability measures and are monitored regularly.

Assistance to Metis and Inuit Children

Q.8 What is INAC's role in providing assistance to Métis and Inuit Children and non-status Indians living off reserve?

 A. The federal government has accepted funding responsibility for First Nations living on reserve. The provinces and territories have responsibility for First Nations living off reserve and for Métis and Inuit.

Q.9 Where can I find out more about INAC's Child and Family Services Program?

A. For more information, contact INAC toll-free at 1 800 567-9604.