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Press release

Current Funding is Inadequate -- Northern Superior Chiefs

THUNDER BAY - FORT WILLIAM FIRST NATION, Nov. 12, 2009  — The Northern Superior Chiefs are calling for immediate government action regarding the current child welfare funding crisis, which is compromising Aboriginal agency Dilico Anishinabek Family Care’s capacity to protect and care for First Nations children in the City and District of Thunder Bay.

"The current funding model for First Nations child welfare services is inadequate and disproportionate to that of other Children’s Aid Societies in the Province,” said Regional Chief Peter Collins during a news conference held at the Fort William First Nation Community Centre. "Dilico’s inability to operate within its allocated budget lies within a flawed funding formula—one that places the agency in a position of failure. For us, this means our vision of a child welfare system that strengthens and supports our families and communities is in serious jeopardy".

Key Issues

• Recent amendments to the Child and Family Services Act mandate Dilico to consult with First Nation communities whose children are in care; yet, Dilico does not receive funding to implement these provisions. There are 38 additional tasks involving reports to or contact with the Band that Dilico must complete. These tasks are extremely labour intensive.
• Dilico has a significantly low dollar allocation per child. Compared to other CASs in the Province, Dilico receives approximately 40 to 60% less to provide services to children in its care.
• Indian and Northern Affairs Canada continues to claim that it does reimburse “the actual costs associated with maintaining a First Nation child in care” at approximately 93 cents on the dollar. This perception is not shared by First Nations Children’s Aid Societies in Ontario, nor is it the position of MCYS staff. If this were to be the case, the Province would be funding, and claiming to INAC full costs, remote and northern factors, additional costs associated with increased standards and administration, according to the “1965 Indian Welfare Agreement”.
• The federal government believes it has fulfilled its child welfare obligations to First Nations children and families through the reimbursement outlined in the 1965 Agreement; and thus, is absolved from providing further support. This has left a huge gap in services essential to the safety and wellbeing of First Nation children and families, including those related to prevention and training.
• Dilico provides service to a client population that is suffering from the effects of colonization and residential schools. This has resulted in a population with complex needs resulting from issues including poverty, racism, loss of culture, family breakdown, addictions, domestic violence, mental health and primary health concerns. The cost of providing quality care to a population with such needs is higher. Dilico has two youth in care with severe health issues. The cost of caring for these two children is $1,300 per day, yet Dilico only receives a maximum per diem of $79 for each child.
• Dilico is one of several Children’s Aid Societies in Ontario that has submitted what is referred to as a, ”Section 14 Review Submission” (pursuant to the Child and Family Services Act)to the Ministry of Community and Social Services. In its submission Dilico requested the Ministry fund its original child welfare budget submission. Dilico also outlined several cost containment and cost control strategies it has implemented, but provided ample evidence that its funding shortfall is far beyond its control.

"To date, we have not received a financial commitment from the Ministry of Children and Youth Services", said Blythe Haynen, Board President of Dilico Anishinabek Family Care, "Our ability to protect children and to meet the required standards of the Child and Family Services Act is in serious jeopardy. We anticipate running out of cash by as earliest as February 2010".