Family Support Services Agreements may be provided for a term (renewable) of up to 6 months may include, but are not limited to, the following:
•Services for Children and Youth
•Counseling
•In-home Support
•Respite Care
•Parenting Programs
•Voluntary Care Agreements
All services are provided on a voluntary basis recognizing that it is the parent who knows best what services may meet their child or family’s needs. Some services are offered directly to the family at their home while other services may provide substitution care for a child outside the family home.
Custom Adoption and Guardianship
Custom adoption is an extension of custom care, which provides temporary or alternate care for Aboriginal children whose parents are not able to care for them. Custom adoption enables Aboriginal families, organizations, and communities to use a culturally appropriate way of sharing in the permanency planning for Aboriginal children. Each case is designed to meet the unique cultural, spiritual, and linguistic needs of a child. Children and youth who are in continuing custody of the agency are provided with services through a guardianship worker. The guardianship worker ensures that planning for children and youth takes into account the specific needs of the child and prepares the child for either permanency or independence. Services are provided until a child or youth reaches the age of 19. After a youth leaves care, some services may be available to those who pursue post-secondary education or complete specific kinds of educational or other programs.
Traditional Cultural Activities
NIFCS cultural programs are grounded in the traditions and beliefs of the Tsimshian and Haisla people. The agency involves elders and community members in bringing their culture alive for children, youth and families. NIFCS cultural programs, enriches and enhance the other delegated programs provided to children, youth and families.
Touchstones of Hope
Northwest Inter-Nation Family and Community Services Society - with a head office in Terrace and sub office in Prince Rupert, the organization serves seven Member Nations (Gitxaala Nation, Kitselas, Haisla Nation, Lax Kw'alaams Band, Metlakatla First Nation, Kitsumkalum Indian Band, and Gitga'at Nation).
Workshops to guide a reconciliation process for those involved in Indigenous child welfare activities. They are also transferable across a variety of areas, including health care, education and research. The movement fosters relationship building and provides opportunities to have respectful and truthful conversations about child welfare in order to create a new reality for Indigenous children. This includes concrete next steps for moving forward together so that all Indigenous children are healthy and living with dignity and respect.