(Approved October 1, 2019)

Introduction: 
Caldwell First Nation (CFN) works with both the Child and Family Protection Services Agencies and Mnaasged Child & Family Services to provide community-based child and family services to registered CFN citizens and minor children in their care. By incorporating both protection services and prevention programs, CFN places utmost importance on family unity and cultural continuity. CFN makes every effort to ensure that child and family services provided to CFN citizens respect culture, parents, family and the community; and that plans of service are developed by the Nation with the family, based on needs, cultural values and traditions. To ensure the rights of citizens are upheld in matters respecting child welfare, CFN has developed this protocol which defines the roles, responsibilities and operating procedures for all those involved. ​

Shared concern of the child: The protection of the best interest, safety and wellbeing of children of CFN is a shared concern.

CFN Jurisdiction: CFN has the legal, cultural and political authority over our citizens, and any child and family service provider providing services to our citizens must respect the authority of our Nation and the integrity of our families.

Family Led: ​CFN citizens have the right to choose to work with either a Child And Family Protection Agency or Mnaasged Child & Family Services for protection services. Families are encouraged to lead the development and implementation of service plans.

Community-based: CFN makes every effort to keep, return and connect  CFN children to the community.

​When a Child And Family Protection Agency receives information that a CFN member child, youth or family composed of at least one CFN member parent are in need assistance, the following steps are taken:

1. Child And Family Protection Agency sends the referral and required response time to CFN’s Band Representative.
2. The Band Representative consults with the family about whether they would like to work with a Child And Family Protection Agency or Mnaasged Child & Family Services.
3. The family’s preferred service provider (Child And Family Protection Agency or Mnaasged) consults with CFN’s Band Representative about any services needed, and develops a plan for first meeting with the family.
4. CFN’s Band Representative attends the majority of the intakes with Child And Family Protection Agency unless they are unable to due to geographic or other barriers (e.g. cross-border issues, etc.)

When a Child And Family Protection Agency or Mnaasged investigates a referral that a child, youth or family need assistance, the following steps are taken:

1. The family’s preferred service provider (Child And Family Protection Agency or Mnaasged) works with the family to encourage voluntary acceptance and benefit from the services of both the Band Representative and the Community Prevention Worker.
2. The family’s preferred service provider (Child And Family Protection Agency or Mnaasged) invites representatives of these services and supportive extended family to be involved in the development of a safety plan for the family, where it is determined one is needed.

CFN child(ren) and youth will not be deprived of their family and connection to their community if less restrictive measures are appropriate.

When an investigation leads to a family being referred to services, the Child Protection Worker(s), the Nation’s Band Representative and the Community Prevention Worker will support the family in:

1. Clearly identifying the safety risks and factors that might result in the child(ren) or youth being placed outside of their home. 
2. Developing a plan of service that will assist the family in addressing the safety and risk issues. 
3. Ensuring that, if at all possible, the child(ren) or youth is kept with their family and community.
   
   

In instances where a child(ren) or youth are placed in Customary Care, the following steps will be taken:

1. Protection Service will be provided to families until a decision has been made about family reunification. 
2. When it is determined that a child(ren) or youth will remain in the Customary Care placement on a long-term or permanent basis, the protection services file in respect of the parents may be closed.
   ​
   

In instances where a child(ren) or youth cannot be safely placed within their family and community, the following steps will be taken:

1. An emergency meeting will be held to discuss the placement with preferred service provider’s Child Protection Workers, the Nation’s Band Representative, Community Prevention Worker(s) that might be involved, the family and extended family of the child(ren), and where possible and appropriate, a Senior or Elder from the Nation.
2. These parties will reconvene regularly to review and adjust the service plan as needed or end services to reflect the progress of the family.

​CFN works with Child And Family Protection Agency and Mnaasged to achieve permanency for the Nation’s children by only considering adoption in those situations where a child can be matched to a family that shares their culture, language and traditions.

The Child And Family Protection Agency will support youth who have been previously adopted and are reconnecting with the Nation.

​CFN’s dispute resolution process commits all parties to identifying conflicts early and addressing the conflict in the spirit of respect, confidence, and in a manner that will lead to mutually satisfactory solutions. This includes attempting to first resolve the conflict among supervisors, then senior leadership (for CFN the Director of Operations) and then an Indigenous facilitator, if needed. A formal court process will only be considered as a last resort.