The Native Services Multi-Service Team (Native Services MST) Program ensures
Aboriginal children in our region are safe and protected from abuse and/or
neglect. This program follows the provincial Intervention Services standards, combined
with traditional aspects of Aboriginal culture to ensure the safety, security
and development of every Aboriginal child.
Eligibility
- Calgary and Area Child and Family Services protects all children, aged 0 - 18, in our region whose safety, security,
or development may be at risk.
- Native Services MST Workers work directly with children and families who
are members of the Aboriginal community.
What Should I do if I Suspect Child Abuse or Neglect?
Any citizen who suspects a child may at risk of abuse or neglect is
required to contact Calgary and Area Child and Family Services at (403) 297-2995 (available 24 hours).
Reports involving children and families who are members of the Aboriginal community
are referred to the Native Services MST office.
Next Steps
A worker from the Native Services MST office meets the child and family
to assess the situation and determine if services may be necessary. If appropriate, services are offered to the parent and family, which may include:
- Referral to Aboriginal community support.
- Counseling or parent training while the child remains at home.
- Temporary placement of the child outside the family home, while counseling
services are underway.
In a number of cases, permanent placement or adoption of the child may become
necessary when the parent or guardian is unable to meet the child's basic needs
in a reasonable timeframe. Within these standards, the Native Services MST integrates
traditional concepts to improve services to Aboriginal children. Some of the
traditionally-based services Native MST Workers may use include:
- Aboriginal Alternative Case Management Model - Native Services has implemented
a traditional approach to managing child protection cases. For example, this
model provides the use of resources such as Native Elders.
- Native Services Traditional
Mediation Circle (307KB PDF) - A contemporary working model for conflict resolution
in child protection matters, the Mediation Circle bridges the complex operational
mandate of the child welfare system with the traditional framework and values
of the Aboriginal mediation process.
- Family Ties Program (13KB PDF) -
This program for children in Calgary and Area Child and Family Services' care, helps strengthen their
connection to their families, communities and culture, and allows them to
maintain or regain their cultural roots.
- Fetal Alcohol Effect (FAE)/Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) Prevention and
Support - Native Services MST offers connections to several regional and provincial
partners in this important initiative. A work plan is being developed to better
meet the needs of children and families with FAE/FAS.
- Aboriginal Community Support - The Native Services MST maintains strong
ties with Aboriginal community support services, in particular the Aboriginal
Resource Centre. Native Services MST is also a member of the Multi-Service
Partnership, a collaboration for Aboriginal Children's Services agencies.
- Commitment to Aboriginal staffing - 60% of the Native Services MST staff
are of Aboriginal decent.
Contact Information
24-hour Abuse/Crisis Line (403) 297-2995
Calgary and Area Child and Family Services
Native Services Multi-Service Team
Unit 200, 1021 - 10th Avenue SW
Calgary, AB T2R 0B7
Phone (403) 297-4376
Fax (403) 297-4181
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What
is child abuse?
A: The main kinds of abuse are physical, emotional and sexual, as well as neglect.
Q: How do I know if a child is being abused?
A: Trust your instincts, if you have a suspicion
or a 'gut feeling' that a child is being abused or neglected, please call our
Child Protection Emergency line at (403) 297-2995.
Read about specific indicators of child abuse.
Q: If I report my neighbour for neglecting their
child, will they find out I was the one who called?
A: When you make a report, your name will be
kept confidential. No legal action can be taken against you unless the reporting
is done maliciously or without grounds. However, if you fail to report your concerns,
you may be guilty of an offence and liable and face a fine or imprisonment.
Related Information
Links
|
 |
Print this Page