First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada

Background of the organization:

The First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada was established in 2002 to provide research, professional development and networking services to First Nations child and family service agencies across Canada. The Caring Society has a particular focus on the prevention of, and response to, child mistreatment.

Grant description:

In order to increase the capacity of First Nations communities to provide adequate support to youth at risk and their families, the Foundation supported in 2003 a new initiative proposed and led by First Nations leaders. Caring Across the Boundaries fosters partnerships between First Nations reserves and voluntary sector agencies, bringing outside help to communities on their terms. Prior to this grant evidence indicated that voluntary sector / First Nations partnerships in support of children and families were practically non-existent.

Results of this two-year trial indicate a quickening of activity among voluntary organizations, and improvement in the lives of some of Canadas most marginalized citizens.

This grant is to revise the Caring Across the Boundaries initiative and expand it to six additional communities and many more family service agencies. In addition, a youth-led version will be developed in cooperation with urban First Nation groups. Finally, the Caring Society will undertake a training for trainers program so that many other First Nations communities can benefit from this approach at a reasonable cost.

Program learning will be shared among First Nations and family services agencies.

Overview

  • 2005-2008
  • $ 450,000
  • Funding Type: Past Initiatives
  • Initiatives: McConnell Reconciliation Initiative