The Joint National Policy Review on First Nations Child and Family Services (McDonald & Ladd, 2000) found that the current federal funding formula for First Nations child and family services was outdated and inadequate. The report specifically noted that there were inadequate funds to support least disruptive measures which are the range of services intended to keep children at risk of child maltreatment and neglect safely in their homes. The Assembly of First Nations and the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development (INAC) worked with a National Advisory Committee (NAC) composed of regional INAC staff and First Nations child and family service agencies to develop a new formula to better support First Nations children and families. In completing their work, the NAC commissioned FNCFCS to complete two research reports in 2004 - one on crisis response and another on least disruptive measures.

1)	Staying At Home Examining the implications of Least Disruptive Measures in First Nations Child and Family Service Agencies Prepared By: Corbin Shangreaux Edited by: Cindy Blackstock	(728 KB, 64 pages)
2)	Crisis Response in First Nations Child and Family Services Prepared by Kathryn Irvine Edited by Cindy Blackstock	(524 KB, 46 pages)

These reports coupled with other works of the NAC resulted in the development of a three phase research project to inform a new funding methodology. The research project was lead by Dr. Fred Wien, Dr. John Loxley and Cindy Blackstock in partnership with experts in economics, law, sociology, community development, First Nations child welfare, social work, psychology, management information systems and public administration. It was conducted in the following three phases:

Phase One: Identify three possible funding options and the research that would need to be conducted in order to run simulations on the funding formulas.

Phase Two: Conduct the research indicated in Phase One.

Phase Three: Develop a survey instrument for all First Nations child and family service agencies to run economic models of various funding options for the consideration of the NAC.

Findings

The following sections summarize the research objectives, methods and findings at each stage of the research program. Readers are encouraged to read the three research reports produced at each stage of the NPR research project for more detailed information.

Phase One

As noted above, the objective of phase one was to identify three possible funding formula options and the research questions that would need to be investigated in order to run simulations of the resulting funding formula (s). The principle methodology involved key informant interviews with 5 First Nations child and family service agencies located across Canada representing various forms of operation and demographics.

Results from Phase One identified the following three funding formula options for further investigation:

1. Redesign of Directive 20-1 taking into account the recommendations of the NPR
2. Linking First Nations child and family service agency funding to the funding levels and methodologies used by the province in which they are located.
3. A new First Nations based formula

Please refer to the following report for a full account of the research conducted in Phase one

Bridging Econometrics and First Nations Child and Family Service Agency Funding: Phase One Report A Summary of Research Need to Explore Three Funding Models for First Nations Child Welfare Agencies Report to the National Policy Review National Advisory Committee Prepared By: John Loxley, Fred Wien and Cindy Blackstock

(2.2 MB, 14 pages)

National Policy Review Phase Two Research Report:

At the direction of the Joint National Policy Review National Advisory Committee (NAC), phase two focused on responding to the research questions identified in phase one to investigate all three funding formula options. A mixed methods approach was used as the nature of the research questions required both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. FNCFCS was proud to work with an esteemed research team of over 25 individuals representing expertise in law, economics, management information systems, First Nations child welfare, management, sociology, psychology, community development and substance misuse. One of the primary sources of information for this report were detailed case studies of 12 First Nations child and family service agencies that are broadly representative of the differing geographic, demographic and operating structures of First Nations child and family service agencies across Canada (excluding Ontario).

One of the key findings was that First Nations children are over represented amongst both children in care and Aboriginal children in care. Review of data from three sample provinces indicates that the chances of a First Nations child being in child welfare care as of May of 2005 were approximately one in ten versus one in two hundred for a non Aboriginal child. The key reason why First Nations children come into contact with the child welfare system is neglect. In terms of funding, under funding of critical elements of practice and administration were noted. Of particular concern was the drastic under-funding of at home supports for children and families experiencing child maltreatment. These services, known as least disruptive measures, are needed in order to provide First Nations children an equitable chance to remain safely in their own homes. For further information please consult the full research report:

Wen:de Report: We are Coming to the Light of Day	(3.7 MB, 228 pages)
Order a Copy of the Report

Phase Three

The objective of this phase of the research was to enhance the evidence base for the proposed funding formula and to quantify the cost implications of suggested reforms. The main data source was a national survey of First Nations child and family service agencies. This survey which was developed by a team of researchers based on the information obtained in Phase two of the research project. These survey results, coupled with focused research projects on liability and further work on small agencies and remote communities culminated in recommendations for a redesign of the current Directive introducing substantial funding reforms intended to provide First Nations children and young people with an equitable level of culturally based services.

Research findings indicate that overall an additional 109 million dollars is needed in year one in order to provide a basic level of child welfare services. There are a number of policy change recommendations as well. Key amongst them is the recommendation for all provincial/territorial and federal governments to adopt Jordan's Principle to resolving jurisdictional disputes. Survey results from phase three confirm earlier findings from Phase two that jurisdictional disputes between and within federal and provincial governments are a substantial problem fettering First Nations children from accessing equitable services. In response to this finding, the research team has proposed the adoption of a child first solution to resolving jurisdictional disputes known as Jordan's Principle. Please review the following joint declaration to find out more about Jordan's principle or how you can demonstrate your support for this important policy change :

Joint Declaration of Support for Jordan's Principle to resolving Jurisdictional Disputes Affecting Services to First Nations Children

For a summary of both Wen:de reports please refer to the following summary sheet

Please review the following report for more information

Wen:de: The Journey Continues The National Policy Review on First Nations Child and Family Services Research Project: Phase Three Loxely, J., DeRiviere, L., Prakash, T., Blackstock, C., Wien, F., and Thomas Prokop, S.	(2.3 MB, 195 pages)
Program Evaluation Research , Final Report Prepared by Robb MacDonald, Consultant The Health Communication Unit at the University of Toronto, March 2006	(336 KB, 38 pages)

Concluding remarks

The First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada gratefully acknowledges the support and participation of First Nations child and family service agencies, the Assembly of First Nations, the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and the expert team of researchers without whom this important work would have not been possible. We also acknowledge Jordan's family and community for their dedication to ensure that when it comes to jurisdictional disputes children really do come first - all the time.

It is important to note that although FNCFCS is committed to providing the best evidence base for a new funding methodology and the associated approvals within governments we can not guarantee that this research will result in improvements to the current funding regime. The allocation and dispersal of federal funds, including for child welfare, is within the mandate of the Canadian government and thus it ultimately has the responsibility for implementing any recommendations arising from this research.

Joint National Policy Review, Final Report, June 2000 Dr. Rose-Alma J. MacDonald, Dr. Peter Ladd, et. al.	(6.5 MB, 143 pages)

Please visit this website for future updates on this important project.