Family Support Systems

--- Native Child and Family Services of Toronto

Group Members:

Qian Chen, Simeng Yang, Shanshan Su, (Sumuduni) 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 Childrena. Children have the right

to feel safe.b. Children have the right

to have someone look after them.

c. Children have the right to stay connect with the family.

How we support our people?

• Provides educational program and life skills training program.

• “Aboriginal Youth Skill Building Program”

• Provides housing, tokens, food, internet cafe, and work experiences.

• The “healing room”.

How we support our people?

• Supporting families

a. Provides housing, food, finance, consulting, and jobs to help the families to cope with the stresses of everyday life.

b. Provides extra care for the teen-parents.

The Environment

• http://animoto.com/play/G671tZoUn9faeCcrDCFjrg

What is the process through which support to families is eventually tapered off and how is that 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

Ritual, Be a member

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