First Nations Child and Family Services (FNCFS)

Project Overview

The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) and the Caring Society requested that the IFSD at the University of Ottawa produce a response to Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT) orders 408, 418 and 421, related to the discriminatory funding approach applied by Canada for First Nations Child and Family Services (FNCFS) agencies. 

IFSD's 2018 final report, Enabling First Nations Children to Thrive, made eight recommendations for funding and structural changes to the FNCFS program, as well as three recommendations for further research. The National Advisory Committee (NAC) accepted the report in full in February 2019 (awaiting confirmation by ISC). The report was previously submitted as evidence to the CHRT by the Caring Society in January 2019.

Following the acceptance of IFSD's report by the National Advisory Committee (NAC), IFSD was asked to undertake a follow-on study to identify options and plans for a change in structure and resources in FNCFS to transition agencies to an outcome-based approach based on well-being for thriving First Nations children.

Project Components

There are four parts to this project:

1. Expenditure analysis and funding impacts: Defining the existing baseline of FNCFS program allocations, expenditures and their impacts, including CHRT-mandated funding.
2. Performance framework: Defining a measurable future state from which to build a funding approach for thriving children.
3. Funding approaches: Identifying and analyzing approaches to funding that support improved outcomes for children.
4. Transition plan: Defining approaches and considerations in moving to a new system of performance and funding focused on thriving children.

IFSD's ask to FNCFS agencies

To make this possible, we need your support and collaboration. The knowledge and data you share and the insight you provide are invaluable to this work. There are two ways FNCFS agencies will be asked to participate:

1. Questionnaire: IFSD is requesting input from all FNCFS agencies for this project through a short questionnaire on CHRT funding and performance this fall. You will receive a short questionnaire (fillable PDF) via email on September 18, 2019 and will be asked to complete the questions no later than October 16, 2019. Should it be preferred, IFSD would be pleased to schedule a phone call, Skype or FaceTime call to complete this questionnaire with you.
    
2. Case studies: IFSD is seeking approximately 12 FNCFS agencies from different provinces and with different characteristics (e.g. geographic location, size, etc.) to serve as representative/model agencies for the project. Monthly contact via email or phone is anticipated for follow-ups on project progress or to help inform IFSD on specific project matters. Leadership from the case study FNCFS agencies will be invited to Ottawa for two workshops between December 2019 and April 2020.

Timelines