family
TRANSCRIPT
--- Native Child and Family Services of Toronto
Group Members:
Qian Chen, Simeng Yang, Shanshan Su, Rasika Gamage, Yanjiao Deng
Agenda
Introduction………………………………………………………… Qian
Circumstances……………………………………………………… Simeng
Available Support………………………………................... Shanshan
Supporting Process……………………………................... Rasika
Community Outreach/follow-up………………………… Yanjiao
Conclusion………………………………………………............. Yanjiao
Aboriginal head start
Introduction: Overview
ABORIGINAL ONTARIO EARLY YEARS CENTRE
The Aboriginal Early Years Centre is a place for parents,
caregivers and their children to have fun and make new friends,
while learning and growing together.
ABORIGINAL WOMEN AND CHILDREN'S APARTMENTS - AWCA
"Zhigidminaan Nda-niijaansag" - Anishnawbe for "Growing together with our
children"
AWCA is a sister building to Ndawemo My’iingan (Native Women’s Transitional
House)
AWCA will work with Ndawemo My’iingan to further support single led families to
move toward permanent housing and prepare for routine tenancy obligations.
For more information about AWCA, call 416.969.8510 or speak with your NCFST
Locations
• Kiiwednong
• 2784 Keele Street, Toronto ON M3M 2G4 MAP
• Telephone: 416.630.3423 · Fax: 416.630.9581
• Shaawnong
• 935 Dundas Street East, First Nations Public School, Toronto ON M4M 1R4 MAP
• Telephone: 416.469.8417 · Fax: 416. 393.0552
• Waabanong
• 20 Waldock Street, Eastview Public School, Toronto ON M1E 2E5 MAP
• Telephone: 416.283.7082 · Fax: 416.283.2118
• Epnigishmok
• 611 St. Clair Avenue West, St. Michael’s Church, Toronto ON M6C 1A3 MAP
• Telephone: 416.656.3773 · Fax: 416.653.7984
For more information about Aboriginal Head Start programs, call the Centre in your area or 416.969.8510.
What are some of the circumstances leading up to families choosing to access support through this agency?
Circumstances
The significance of Native Child Family Services of Toronto
It is a fact that there are great number of native
children are affected by these issue such as
poverty, addictions, family violence and
homelessness in our city. Families become
recognizing that their whole family or one family
member need support or help, so the importance
of this child protection agency is obvious.
The child and Family services act recognized that…
“Indian and Native people should be titled to
provide, wherever possible, their own child and
family services, and all the services to Indian and
Native children and families should be provided in a
manner that recognizes their culture, heritage and
traditions and the concept of the extended family.”
http://www.nativechild.org/our-history
The History about Native Child Family Services
In 1985, Ontario government officially
acknowledged the need that providing
child services to Native People.
History (con’t)
From 1985 to 1988, the developmental phase took place,
including extensive consultation within the Native and non-
Native communities, the setting of laws, statement mission and
the objectives of services.
Foundation
In 2004, Native Child
Family Services of
Toronto became an
organized Children’s
service institution after
as long as 20 years of
negotiating under the
Family Services Act.
How we support our people?
• Protecting Children
a. Children have the right to
feel safe.
b. Children have the right to
have someone look after
you
c. Children have the right to
stay health and well being.
How we support our people?
• Helping youth (12yrs--24yrs)
• To provide education, employment, and life skills training.
• To reduce barriers and increase opportunities for youth
• To foster higher levels of self-esteem and positive identity.
How we support our people?
• Supporting families
a. Families are coping with the
stresses of everyday life.
b. Support parents involved
with Family or Criminal
Court
c. Provide advocacy and
mediation services with
government agencies.
The Environment
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What is the process through which support tofamilies is eventually tapered off and how isthat decided?
Supporting Process
Eligibility and Registration
• Services mainly to Aboriginal people, including First
Nations, Inuit and Métis
• Children in need of protection under the Child and
Family Services Act
• Registration is required before getting services
• People can apply via phone or by drop in to the office
Residency Program Exit Criteria
• Three main residency programs
• Exit policies vary with the program
• Different exit criterions to ensure that beneficiaries
leave the program.
Three main Residency programs
• Women Transitional House:
– For single women (16 to 24 years) and children (newborn to 6 years)
– Up to 18 months while making the transition into independent living and stable housing
• Men Transitional House:
– For native youth aged 16 to 24 who are homeless or under-housed.
– Can stay for up to 18 months.
Three main Residency programs cont.
• Aboriginal women and children apartments
– For mothers of ages 16 to 30 years with children up to 16 years
– Units are self contained and families are placed according to
family size.
– Residents may occupy a unit up to 18 months with their
child(ren).
Outreach / Follow-up
Tokens provided
Job opportunity
A story about one of their clients
COMMUNITY PARTNERS Aboriginal Legal Services of Toronto
Anishnawbe Health Toronto
Association of Native Child and Family Agencies of Ontario
First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada
Miziwe Biik
Mothercraft
Native Learning Centre
Ontario Association of Children's Aid Societies
Toronto Council Fire
Toronto District School Board
http://www.nativechild.org
Conclusion