Native Child and Family Services of Toronto provides support to Indigenous families in need. They operate several programs including Aboriginal Head Start centers that provide early childhood education, residency programs that offer transitional housing and support for up to 18 months, and family support services. Eligibility requires registration and services are meant to eventually transition families to independence. The agency works closely with community partners and conducts outreach to help families access resources. Their goal is to recognize Indigenous culture while protecting children and strengthening families.

1. --- Native Child and Family Services of Toronto
Group Members:
Qian Chen, Simeng Yang, Shanshan Su, Rasika Gamage, Yanjiao Deng

2. Agenda
Introduction………………………………………………………… Qian
Circumstances……………………………………………………… Simeng
Available Support………………………………................... Shanshan
Supporting Process……………………………................... Rasika
Community Outreach/follow-up………………………… Yanjiao
Conclusion………………………………………………............. Yanjiao

3. Aboriginal head start
Introduction: Overview

4. ABORIGINAL ONTARIO
EARLY YEARS CENTRE
The Aboriginal Early Years Centre is a place for parents,
caregivers and their children to have fun and make new friends,
while learning and growing together.

5. ABORIGINAL WOMEN AND CHILDREN'S
APARTMENTS - AWCA
 "Zhigidminaan Nda-niijaansag" - Anishnawbe for "Growing together with our
children"
 AWCA is a sister building to Ndawemo My’iingan (Native Women’s Transitional
House)
 AWCA will work with Ndawemo My’iingan to further support single led families to
move toward permanent housing and prepare for routine tenancy obligations.
For more information about AWCA, call 416.969.8510 or speak with your NCFST

6. Locations
• Kiiwednong
• 2784 Keele Street, Toronto ON M3M 2G4 MAP
• Telephone: 416.630.3423 · Fax: 416.630.9581
• Shaawnong
• 935 Dundas Street East, First Nations Public School, Toronto ON M4M 1R4 MAP
• Telephone: 416.469.8417 · Fax: 416. 393.0552
• Waabanong
• 20 Waldock Street, Eastview Public School, Toronto ON M1E 2E5 MAP
• Telephone: 416.283.7082 · Fax: 416.283.2118
• Epnigishmok
• 611 St. Clair Avenue West, St. Michael’s Church, Toronto ON M6C 1A3 MAP
• Telephone: 416.656.3773 · Fax: 416.653.7984
For more information about Aboriginal Head Start programs, call the Centre in your area or 416.969.8510.

7. Circumstances
What are some of the circumstances leading up
to families choosing to access support through
this agency?

8. The significance of Native Child
Family Services of Toronto
It is a fact that there are great number of native
children are affected by these issue such as
poverty, addictions, family violence and
homelessness in our city. Families become
recognizing that their whole family or one family
member need support or help, so the importance
of this child protection agency is obvious.

9. The child and Family services act
recognized that…
“Indian and Native people should be titled to
provide, wherever possible, their own child and
family services, and all the services to Indian and
Native children and families should be provided in a
manner that recognizes their culture, heritage and
traditions and the concept of the extended family.”
http://www.nativechild.org/our-history

10. The History about Native Child
Family Services
In 1985, Ontario government officially
acknowledged the need that providing
child services to Native People.

11. History (con’t)
From 1985 to 1988, the developmental phase took place,
including extensive consultation within the Native and non-
Native communities, the setting of laws, statement mission and
the objectives of services.

12. Foundation
In 2004, Native Child
Family Services of
Toronto became an
organized Children’s
service institution after
as long as 20 years of
negotiating under the
Family Services Act.

14. How we support our people?
• Protecting Children
a. Children have the right to
feel safe.
b. Children have the right to
have someone look after
you
c. Children have the right to
stay health and well being.

15. How we support our people?
• Helping youth (12yrs--
24yrs)
• To provide
education, employment, a
nd life skills training.
• To reduce barriers and
increase opportunities for
youth
• To foster higher levels of
self-esteem and positive
identity.

16. How we support our people?
• Supporting families
a. Families are coping with the
stresses of everyday life.
b. Support parents involved
with Family or Criminal
Court
c. Provide advocacy and
mediation services with
government agencies.

17. The Environment
• http://animoto.com/
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18. Supporting Process
What is the process through which support to
families is eventually tapered off and how is
that decided?

19. Eligibility and Registration
• Services mainly to Aboriginal people, including First
Nations, Inuit and Métis
• Children in need of protection under the Child and
Family Services Act
• Registration is required before getting services
• People can apply via phone or by drop in to the office

20. Residency Program Exit Criteria
• Three main residency programs
• Exit policies vary with the program
• Different exit criterions to ensure that beneficiaries
leave the program.

21. Three main Residency programs
• Women Transitional House:
– For single women (16 to 24 years) and children
(newborn to 6 years)
– Up to 18 months while making the transition into
independent living and stable housing
• Men Transitional House:
– For native youth aged 16 to 24 who are homeless or
under-housed.
– Can stay for up to 18 months.

22. Three main Residency programs cont.
• Aboriginal women and children apartments
– For mothers of ages 16 to 30 years with children up to 16 years
– Units are self contained and families are placed according to
family size.
– Residents may occupy a unit up to 18 months with their
child(ren).

23. Outreach / Follow-up

24.  Tokens provided
 Job opportunity
 A story about one of their clients

25. COMMUNITY PARTNERS
 Aboriginal Legal Services of Toronto
 Anishnawbe Health Toronto
 Association of Native Child and Family Agencies of Ontario
 First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada
 Miziwe Biik
 Mothercraft
 Native Learning Centre
 Ontario Association of Children's Aid Societies
 Toronto Council Fire
 Toronto District School Board
http://www.nativechild.org

26. Conclusion