Fri, February 14, 2025
Thu, February 13, 2025

Canada makes sweeping changes to First Nations child services program

The Canadian government has announced significant reforms to the First Nations Child and Family Services (FNCFS) program, aiming to address systemic issues and improve outcomes for Indigenous children and families. These changes include a shift towards prevention-focused services, increased funding for family support, and efforts to keep children connected to their culture and communities. The reforms follow a 2016 Canadian Human Rights Tribunal ruling that found the federal government was racially discriminating against First Nations children by underfunding child welfare services on reserves. The new approach emphasizes community-based care, with investments in mental health, substance abuse treatment, and other support services to prevent the need for child removal. Additionally, there is a focus on reducing the number of children in care, promoting reunification where possible, and ensuring that when children must be placed in care, it is within their own community or with family members to maintain cultural ties.

Read the Full MSN Article at:
[ https://www.msn.com/en-ca/politics/government/canada-makes-sweeping-changes-to-first-nations-child-services-program/ar-AA1yZTf2 ]