C-92 Training: Federal Act for First Nations, Inuit and Métis Children, Youth and Families

Background: The intention of the Act is to set minimum national standards for First Nations, Inuit and Métis child and family services provision.  It is significant that this is the first time the federal government has exercised its jurisdiction to legislate in the area of Indigenous child welfare. For this reason, all agencies across Canada are required to familiarize themselves with the Act and make the appropriate changes to their policies, practices and standards to be in alignment with the Act.

The Act also recognizes the inherent jurisdiction of Indigenous governing bodies to be self-determining in the area of child and family services.  As such, agencies may need to adapt existing or create new governance models in the future, as Indigenous groups, communities and people start to act on their inherent authority.

Course Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the framework of An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families
• Best Interests of the Indigenous Child Test
• Substantive Equality in provision of Child and Family services to Indigenous families
• Jurisdiction & Concurrent law model
• Continuum of Care (Preventive; Early (including pre-natal); Protection)
• Notice and Party Status
• Indigenous Laws