Yellowknife — October 21, 2020
The Minister of Health and Social Services, Julie Green, tabled the 2019-2020 Annual Report of the Director of Child and Family Services today in the Legislative Assembly. The annual report allows the Department to examine the system and find ways to evolve our service to better meet the needs of children, youth and families in the NWT. The Department uses this data report as an opportunity to provide insight on the experience and outcomes of children and youth supported by child and family services.
The approach for the report has been refreshed to make the information more accessible and relevant for the public while maintaining the integrity of data reporting.
The 2019-2020 annual report presents data on the delivery of child and family services across the Northwest Territories from April 1, 2019 to March 31, 2020. Findings from the report show a continued decreasing trend in the number of children and youth under a Permanent Custody Order. This development suggests a positive movement in the strength and resiliency of communities to support families and their children – a movement that aligns with the Federal Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis Child, Youth and Families that came into force on January 1, 2020.
Over 90% of children and youth who received prevention and protection services were living in their family home or with a foster caregiver in their home community. By helping children and youth stay in their homes and communities, they are able to maintain their cultural identity and family connections. This aligns with the Federal Act’s guiding principle that children and youth have a right to cultural continuity.
The report shows that 98% of children and youth who received prevention and protection services were Indigenous. This overrepresentation is a call to strengthen a variety of partnerships to improve the lives of children, youth and families across the NWT.
Quote
“This report provides insight on the experience and outcomes of children and youth supported by child and family services; and how we can evolve our services to better meet their needs.”
- Julie Green, Minister of Health and Social Services
Quick facts
· In the past fiscal year, 1,239 children and youth received prevention or protection services from Child and Family Services System:
o 54% received Voluntary Support Services
o 33% received services through a Plan of Care Agreement
o 10% received supports through a Permanent Custody Order
o 3% received supports through a Temporary Custody Order.
· Over 90% of children and youth who received prevention and protection services were living in their family home or with a caregiver in their home community.
· 98% of children and youth receiving prevention and protection services were Indigenous.
Related links
· 2019-2020 Annual Report of the Director of Child and Family Services
· Minister Julie Green’s Statement on Child and Family Services Update
Damien Healy
Manager, Communications
Department of Health and Social Services
Tel: 867-767-9052 ext. 49034
Email: damien_healy@gov.nt.ca