Today, Minister of Health and Social Services, Julie Green, tabled the 2021-2022 Annual Report of the Director of Child and Family Services in the Legislative Assembly. The Annual Report provides a summary of data on the delivery of services under the NWT’s Child and Family Services Act, Adoption Act, Custom Adoption Recognition Act, and the federal government’s Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis Children, Youth and Families.

The Annual Report provides an opportunity for residents of the Northwest Territories (NWT) to see the type of support and services delivered through Child and Family Services (CFS) and understand why they are offered. The report identifies trends, including how the Child and Family Services system can improve and where there has been a positive impact on the people served.

In 2021-2022, prevention services represented 50% of the services delivered by CFS. Furthermore, the Family Preservation Program expanded throughout the NWT and provided support to 86 families. 75% of children and youth who received services were able to remain in their home and 17% remained in their home community. The proportion of regular placement resources (foster homes) is steadily decreasing as the proportion of extended family placement resources increases. This means more extended family members are caring for children or youth when they must be placed outside their home. 

Disparities in income and housing security are two of the most common reasons why families and youth request voluntary services. This speaks to the complexity involved in addressing the underlying socio-economic factors and intergenerational trauma. It also highlights the need for a holistic approach to supporting families, and the importance of offering a variety of social supports and services.

The Annual Report also shows where services must be further examined to better meet the needs of children, youth, and families. There continues to be a significant overrepresentation of Indigenous children and youth in both prevention and protection services.

Child and Family Services is committed to fostering strong and collaborative relationships with the many government departments, Indigenous Governments and communities that support children, youth, and families. Access to safe housing, mental wellness supports, recreational opportunities, and prenatal and postnatal care are all fundamental to the wellbeing of families and communities.

Quote(s)

“The investment in system reform is creating better outcomes for children, youth and families who need the support of Child and Family Services. We will continue to listen to the voices of those we serve; acknowledge their experiences and answer their calls for a culturally safe and anti-racist approach to the delivery of Child and Family Services.” 

- Julie Green, Minister of Health and Social Services

Quick facts

• Between April 1st, 2021 and March 31st, 2022, 1,221 children and youth received either prevention or protection services from the GNWT.
• 98% of the total number of children and youth receiving child and family services identify as Indigenous.
• Over 92% of children and youth who received services were living in their family home or with a caregiver in their home community.

Related links

• 2021-2022 Annual Report of the Director of Child and Family Services
• Minister Julie Green’s Statement on Child and Family Services
• Quality Improvement Plan and the Strategic Approach to System Reform 2019-2021
• Voluntary Support Services Agreements and Child Protection

For media requests, please contact:

Andrew Wind

A/Manager of Communications

Department of Health and Social Services

Government of the Northwest Territories

Andrew_Wind@gov.nt.ca

(867) 767-9052 ext. 49037