Family Service

Dnaagdawenmag Binnoojiiyag Child & Family Services embraces the fundamental philosophy of valuing relationships built on the foundations of good practice by:

1. Fostering and maintaining positive and collaborative relationships by fully engaging our families and extended families in all aspects of service delivery;
2. Maintaining cohesive relationships with communities and Indigenous leadership;
3. Providing services that reflect the principles of strong partnership among Indigenous people;
4. Building models of collaboration with existing community services;
5. Consulting the communities in a comprehensive and meaningful process to ensure their input is respected in service design and delivery; and,
6. Developing working relationships with external partners to achieve our goals.

The children, youth and their families in our communities may be from time to time be faced with physical, sexual and emotional abuse, neglect, drug, alcohol and solvent abuse, and the risk of suicide. Our role is to help these children, youth, their families and communities find the resources and to become empowered to overcome their difficulties. In responding to the needs of children, youth and families, we understand Indigenous culture emphasizes the strengths, inherent capacities and resiliency of individuals and families and strives to support parents to meet the needs of their children.

Within the Dnaagdawenmag Binnoojiiyag Service Model, the protection of children and youth is a total community responsibility, everyone has a role to play. Indigenous people have an inherent right and responsibility to raise children in ways that are consistent with traditional child rearing practices and communities, Metis and Inuit communities retain the authority to fully participate in decisions regarding their children’s care and well-being. The partnerships between the First Nations, and Indigenous communities and Dnaagdawenmag Binnoojiiyag are described in service agreements and protocols.

The Ontario Child Protection Standards (2016) and The Ontario Child Welfare Eligibility Spectrum (revised 2016) and community standards apply for all case management.