Keewatin Tribal Council CFS C.24 (Bill C-92)

C.24 (BIll C-92) Project

KTC Project Deliverables

The KTC C.24 (Bill C-92) Project seeks to empower the KTC Nations to take control of Child and Family Services (CFS) within their communities, based on the inherent right to self-government.

This reform is aimed at revitalizing the customs and traditions of the Nations while ensuring that they have the legal and structural frameworks to manage and care for their children and families. Below is an outline of how each component might be developed in partnership with the Nations:

KTC CFS Law

Purpose: To formalize the Nations' approach to child and family welfare by enacting legislation that reflects the community's values, customs, and the inherent right to self-governance.
Development Process:
- Engage Elders, community leaders, and legal experts from within the Nations to draft the law.
- Ensure the law aligns with Indigenous traditions, while also addressing the need for contemporary legal frameworks to protect children and families.
- Provide a clear outline of the rights and responsibilities of both children and families within the community.
- Detail the roles of caregivers, parents, and government agencies in child welfare.
- Ensure the law is adaptable and flexible to the evolving needs of the community.

Regulations and Policies

Purpose: To outline the specific rules, guidelines, and protocols that will govern the delivery of child and family services.
Development Process:
- Draft policies on how children are to be protected, how cases of neglect or abuse will be handled, and how family reunification processes will be managed.
- Address confidentiality, data protection, and the rights of children and parents in relation to child welfare proceedings.
- Include provisions for dispute resolution and accountability mechanisms.
- Establish mechanisms for continuous policy review and updates to reflect changing circumstances.

Service Delivery Model

Purpose: To create a model for how child and family services will be delivered within the Nations, ensuring that services are community-based and culturally appropriate.
Key Considerations:
- Define how services will be provided, who will provide them, and what support structures will be in place.
- The model should include preventive services, family support services, as well as intervention and protection services.
- Ensure that services are integrated with the community's existing structures (e.g., Elders, community programs).
- Establish clear communication and coordination between different service providers (tribal councils, health services, education systems).

Transition Service Delivery Plan

Purpose: To ensure a smooth transition from the existing system to the new self-governed system for child and family services.
Steps Involved:
- Assess the current state of service delivery and identify gaps that the Nations need to address.
- Develop a phased implementation plan with timelines, goals, and outcomes.
- Provide training for staff, community leaders, and service providers on the new system.
- Ensure there is adequate funding, infrastructure, and resource allocation for the transition.
- Engage the community in the process to ensure buy-in and support for the changes.

Agency Service Provider

Purpose: To identify, create, or restructure the current service agency that will be responsible for providing child and family services.
Key Features:
- Ensure service providers are culturally competent and aligned with the values of the KTC Nations.
- Create a framework for monitoring the performance of the service agency and ensuring accountability.
- Establish a clear set of criteria for the agency to follow in delivering services that align with the KTC Family Law, including family-centered approaches and trauma-informed practices.
- Build partnerships with local health, education, and social service agencies to provide comprehensive support.

Community CFS Committees

Purpose: To create community-based committees that will have a direct role in overseeing child and family services within the Nations.
Responsibilities:
- Develop community-driven strategies for child protection and family support.
- Help mediate and resolve disputes regarding child welfare cases.
- Advocate for families and ensure that their needs are met in accordance with cultural values and the law.
- Provide a platform for ongoing dialogue between community members, service providers, and the governing bodies.

Advocacy Office

Purpose: To provide support for families and children who are navigating the child welfare system.
Key Functions:
- Serve as a neutral party to advocate for the rights of children and families.
- Offer guidance, support, and information to families regarding the services available and their rights under the new law.
- Help families resolve issues or conflicts with agencies or within the system.
- Support the community in raising awareness of child welfare issues and the resources available.

Tribunal Office

Purpose: To provide an independent forum for resolving disputes related to child and family services.
Key Functions:
- Establish an independent body that can hear appeals, grievances, and disputes concerning child welfare decisions.
- Ensure that the tribunal is culturally competent, fair, and transparent in its proceedings.
- Provide a resolution process for cases such as custody disputes, child protection interventions, or disagreements regarding service delivery.
- Offer families the opportunity to have their voices heard and seek redress if needed.

Indigenous Governing Body Office

Purpose: To create a dedicate office that will support the effective and culturally appropriate delivery of CFS services to the KTC Nations.
Key Functions:
- Engaging with the KTC Nations leaders and organizations to understand and ensure needs, priorities and visions are met.
- Develop policies and legal framework that recognize and support the creation of the Indigenous Governing Body.
- Creation of a governance council that is representative of the KTC Nations.
- Create a comprehensive training strategy for staff and leaders within the CFS system.
- Development of data collection systems, procedures and strategies.
- Implementation of regular evaluation processes to assess effectiveness.
- Develop long-term sustainability strategies for funding and resources.

The goal of this reform is to create a system that is rooted in the values and traditions of the KTC Nations while ensuring that the well-being and safety of children and families are safeguarded.

By working collaboratively with the Nations to develop the necessary frameworks, laws, and support systems, the reform will empower the community to regain control over child and family services and strengthen the foundation of their governance.

It will also ensure that children are cared for in an environment that honors their culture, identity, and inherent rights.

Keewatin Tribal Council CFS C.24 (Bill C-92)

C.24 (BIll C-92) Project

KTC Project Deliverables

The goal of this reform is to create a system that is rooted in the values and traditions of the KTC Nations while ensuring that the well-being and safety of children and families are safeguarded.

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