MANDATE:  To work in a preventative role with families and their children and provide the least intrusive services possible. 

“To keep families together and provide support when necessary.”

The Native Child & Family Services Program offers the following services as a regular part of the program:

• Family support visits.
• Community representation when there is Children’s Aid Society involvement.
• Brief counseling services.
• Appropriate referrals.
• Court transportation and support.
• Access visit arrangements.
• Food bank.
• Youth programs.
• Special seasonal events and activities.

The 2004 – 2005 fiscal year proved to be a year of both challenges and achievements for the Native Child & Family Services Program.

Two major floods in a six-month period resulted in a shortfall in some service areas; however, front line client services are a priority and were maintained without interruption.  Planned drainage improvements should permanently eliminate this problem.

Access to the Community Food Bank is rising steadily.  We have been able to meet the increased demand through additional funding from the N.C.B. Program as well as donations from two outside communities.  

Also this year funding was obtained to hire a “Community Homes Recruiter” on a six-month contract basis.  The primary focus of this program is to secure community based Customary Care Homes, Foster Homes and Safe Homes.  Kim Bressette was hired to compile a list of suitable homes for children are in need of either a short-term or long-term out of home placement.  Community workshops have been successful in generating an understanding of the importance of having placements for children to keep them in their community.

Another service added this year was the Baby Registration Program.  This service is a joint initiative between the Membership Department and our office and was successful in acquiring birth certificates for registration purposes for 58 children.

Unquestionably amongst the most significant accomplishments of the year was, through the efforts of the Native Child & Family Services staff, the placement of three newborn babies with families from their community.  May the special parents enjoy these babies and make them proud to be chosen Ojibwa family members.

Some of the on-going programs and activities the Native Child & Family Services Program offers are as follows:

Youth Programs

-          -          Aboriginal Shield

-          -          Girls Group

-          -          Boys Club

Seasonal Events & Activities:

-          -          Easter Egg Hunt & Colouring Contest

-          -          Native Youth Olympics Archery Tournament

-          -          Native Youth Olympics Track and Field Day

-          -          Fishing Derby

-          -          Summer Bus Trip

-          -          Halloween Events

-          -          Santa Claus Parade and Christmas Craft Sale

-          -          Winter Games

-          -          Hawaiian Dance

The primary focus of all activities and events is family participation.  Parental participation and support is encouraged in all the activities we offer as a main objective of our Program.

Sharon Henry, Program Manager