Month: November 2018

15 Nov

2016

The Board of Directors implemented 6 recommendations from the Meyers Norris Penny’s Review related to YTCCFS’s restructuring. The Canadian Human Rights Tribunal ruled (January 26th) that the federal government discriminates against First Nation children on reserves by failing to provide the same level of child welfare services that exist elsewhere. The federal government’s funding model and management of its First Nations child and family services “resulted in denials of services and created various adverse impacts for many First Nations children and families living on reserves.”The decision says the government must “cease the discriminatory practice and take measures to redress and prevent it.” It calls for the redesign of the child welfare system and its funding model, urging the use of experts to ensure First Nations are given culturally appropriate services. YTCCFS currently operates with 63 staff within 8 field offices (Melville, Fort Qu’Appelle, Kamsack, Carlyle, Regina, Nekaneet, Piapot, 5th Avenue-Yorkton) and the head office (Bradbrooke-Yorkton). The Membership Chiefs developed their Action Plan related to addressing child and family services national political and legislative issues in May. Youth Transitioning Out of Care Program implemented. Immediate relief funding received from INAC.


15 Nov

2015

Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT) ruling occurred with YTCCFS provided financial and program gap analysis and information for witnesses for program and administration. Critical incident inquest occurred provincially resulting in 17 recommendations to MSS (11) and YTCCFS (6).


15 Nov

2014

Internal culturally-based Quality Assurance (QA) initiated. Prevention Project Management System (PPMS) initiated. Partnership between MSS and YTCCFS resulting in cultural camp “Coming Home” for children in care with Ministry. CPI unit dissolved.


15 Nov

2013

Operational Review by Meyers Norris Penny with 17 recommendations related to programs and services was completed and that initiated a human resource review. Case Management System (CMS) was developed. Critical incident occurred and identified gaps. Children and Youth Advocate (CYA) initiated an investigation and presented final report with 18 recommendations to the general public. YTCCFS Member First Nation Chiefs and the Board of Director initiated their own review with recommendations and conclusions presented internally.


15 Nov

2012

Nekaneet First Nation, Piapot First Nation and Carry the Kettle First Nation joined YTCCFS. Integrated Services Workers (ISW) implemented along with Decentralized Child Protection Investigators (CPI). Celebrated 15 year anniversary of YTCCFS with gala and entertainment. Wapanacik Program initiated in the City of Regina. Off-reserve pilot project submitted to Saskatchewan Minister but was rejected due to not aligning with Saskatchewan’s vision. First ever First Nation adoption process recognized and honored. Custom adoption recognized.


15 Nov

2011

Received Provincial Achievement Award for Social Work from “Women of the Dawn”. Prevention services reorganization from Family Enhancement and Wraparound to Community-based prevention. Business Intelligence (BI) system was developed. Completed Structured Decision Making (SDM) training as provided by MSS. INAC changed Children Special Allowance (CSA) in Saskatchewan resulting in further restricting the organization’s ability to provide special needs to children in care, increasing the overall operational deficit of YTCCFS and topped up equalized payments for alternate care homes.


15 Nov

2010

Family Finder program was initiated between MSS and YTCCFS. Community-based prevention program was initiated. Comprehensive Operational Evaluation by Cooney & Associates was completed with 17 recommendations related to programming and services. Upgrade of the Information Technology system/network without additional funding.


15 Nov

2009

Funding agreement with MSS concluded. A new Case Management agreement and a Permanency Planning agreement were negotiated. These negotiations resulted in additional funding and recruitment of new staff. Assisted in the development of the White Bear Cradle Board project and received approval for start-up funding. Today, YTCCFS operates with a budget of $5 million and 50 staff. YTCCFS Administration engaged in strategic planning session.


15 Nov

2008

PRIDE program was modified and applied to all foster parents. Additional resources acquired from the funders that allowed hiring of additional staff. All staff were trained in the Wrap Around program. Program Managers developed a Business Plan for Prevention Services and submitted to INAC and was approved. New funding was received to hire eight new prevention staff.