How We Can Help

How We can Help?

Getting Started.

Standing Up for Children

If you are are a legal parent, grandparent, family member, or concerned neighbour looking for information or wanting to find a way to speak for a child’s well-being, we can help. We will explain how to get involved and have a First Nation Family Advocate act on your behalf.

We will guide you and explain the process from the time you contact us. In general, there is a simple 3 to 5 step process. We make the information clear and easy to understand. Our family advocates are experienced working with CFS and are very familiar with the concerns and challenges that our First Nations children face. We are First Nations working for First Nations people and our children’s rights.

Our Advocates also work with children and families involved with CFS to ensure:

  • Children are not placed in care for experiencing unique needs due to medical, behavioral, or mental health reasons.
  • Children who have been through a traumatic experience receive full supports for at least one year before any consideration of Voluntary Placement Agreements with CFS agencies.
  • Advocacy for children and families to receive other services within and external to the community.
  • Family reunification by providing guidance and support to parents on their healing path.
  • Access to healing supports for children and other family members to deal with system involvement and support families to move forward together.

What to Expect?

GUIDING YOU THROUGH THE PROCESS AND WORKING TO “BRING CHILDREN HOME”
From the time you contact our office you will be treated with an understanding and respect that you and your child deserve. We may need some information to get you on the path to “bringing your child home.”

First Nations Family Advocate Office

The process may include, but is not limited to:

  • Attending an orientation session at our office–these happen every Monday at 1 pm at 286 Smith Street in Winnipeg
  • Attending your first meeting (your intake meeting) with us to discuss the details of the case/situation
  • An evaluation of the child(s), children, or your family’s case history (may require CFS reports)
  • You will be asked to complete several forms to ensure we can help you in the best possible way (ie. Consent forms, Intake forms, permissions, confidentiality agreements, etc.)

From that point we will explore options for action and may continue to work with you to:

  • Do research, investigation, and evaluation of the case and recommendations for action
  • Recommend a plan for action to be taken
  • Provide counselling, consulting, and support to implement the plan/action
  • Provide ongoing follow up and a report on progress