First Nations Health Client Advocacy / Child Welfare Transformation

Legislative Renewal: The Child and Family Services Act and the Adoption Act
The Ministry of Social Services is undertaking a review of the province’s child welfare legislation to ensure legislative and regulatory implications are fully considered for each of the Child Welfare Review Panel recommendations. The Health and Social Development Commission is rejecting the proposed changes to the provincial legislation due to the lack of consultation.

National Policy Review: In 1999, First Nations and INAC formed a joint National Policy Review Committee to identify common concerns and develop recommendations to address the concerns. The Committee produced a report that identified significant funding issues resulting in a formula intended to provide equity, predictability and flexibility for ICFS Agencies. Despite the recommendations of this report, funding disparities continue. The Health and Social Development Commission recommends reinstating the National Policy Review Committee to review the Enhanced Funding Prevention Approach currently allocated by Canada.

National First Nations Commissioner on Child Welfare: The Health and Social Development Commission recommended the development of a National First Nations Children’s Commissioner under the direction and control of First Nations. The role of this Commissioner is to address overrepresentation of First Nations children-in-care and to support children and families receiving services for the 133 First Nations CFS Agencies across Canada.