CHILD & FAMILY TEAMS

Introduction

One of the most critical success factors in creating Healthy Children and Families is to provide community based, prevention focused supports and resources and to achieve greater permanence for children and youth in care.

Two essential groups who provide invaluable community based support are the Child and Family Teams and Grandmothers Group in Lax Kw’alaams (click HERE to learn more).

NIFCS is committed to work in partnership with these groups and to work with other members Nations to build capacity in this manner over time. Our best hopes is that every nation has an active and involved group of community members working in partnership with NIFCS to realize the vision of Healthy Children and Families.

​

​

Child and Family Teams

The seven member Nations are a various stages of development with their community based Child and Family teams. There is a common purpose for all to provide community support and input into safeguarding the inherent rights to care and protect their member Nations children.

Each terms of reference looks slightly different based on the uniqueness of the community and the group’s identity. One group’s objectives as defined in their terms of reference is as follows:

​

The CFT will be involved in the planning and delivery of NIFCS services by:
• Identifying the strengths and supports within the community.

• Identifying services that are culturally appropriate and accessible.

• Participating in the development, implementation and review of plans of care that respect the child’s cultural identity.

• Establishing the family and community’s involvement in the planning and provision of services for the child and avoiding unnecessary delays in the decision process.

• Ensuring the continued rights and shared responsibilities for the child(ren)’s health, education and spiritual development are respected.

• Providing, promoting and supporting opportunities for the child to develop and maintain positive emotional attachments with parents, siblings, extended family and others who are significant in the child(ren)’s life consistent with the child(ren)’s best interests.

• Involve the child, the child’s family, and an advocate, when appropriate, in assessments, case planning and development of the plan of care.

​

Coordinating community events for child(ren)'s in care to celebrate success of the children and families; and to honor the caregivers.