kcfsAs of May 1, 2015, Kunuwanimano Child and Family Services (KCFS) received designation as a Children’s Aid Society pursuant to section 15(2) of the Child and Family Services Act.

This designation will allow KCFS to offer services that honour and support the inherent authority of member First Nations to provide care for their children based on unity, traditions, values, beliefs and customs.  KCFS is an organization that values children and is respectful and sensitive to their needs.  Our mission is to work collaboratively with our First Nations members to ensure the safety and well-being of children is secured by strengthening, supporting and encouraging the healthy development of families.  We are committed to providing services in a manner that is holistically and bi-culturally appropriate for our First Nations.

Kunuwanimano means “Keeping our Own” and this has been the driving force for the past 25 years of providing services to our families.  The designation as a Children’s Aid Society further enables us to strengthen families and communities.

“Kunuwanimano Child and Family Services (KCFS) achieved their journey towards designation after 25 years. KCFS mandate is to provide culturally appropriate child welfare services to First Nation children, youth and families. KCFS is the ninth First Nation organization to achieve designation as a Children’s Aid Society, in working closely with their sister agencies towards “Keeping Our Own” (Ojibwe meaning of Kunuwanimano).  This day is not only a day of reconciliation, also a historic day for the First Nations and Aboriginal communities of Kunuwanimano Child and Family Services, but a day of gratitude and thanks for the dedication of the work the Chiefs’, Board of Directors’ and staff both past and present have achieved.  Chi Miigwich,” says Jean Lemieux, Chair, Kunuwanimano Child and Family Services

KCFS received formal approval from the Honourable Tracy MacCharles, Minister of Children and Youth Services, following the last stage of the transitional review in March, 2015.

“This designation marks a significant milestone.  Kunuwanimano Child and Family Services (KCFS) joins eight other Aboriginal children’s aid societies in Ontario dedicated to providing culturally appropriate child welfare services to Aboriginal children and youth. Our government is pleased to be working alongside KCFS to strengthen child welfare services for First Nations children, while ensuring that they stay connected to their culture and community.” – Tracy MacCharles, Minister of Children and Youth Services

As of May 1, 2015, KCFS will provide child welfare services to Aboriginals within the Districts of Temiskaming, Sudbury, Cochrane and Algoma.

KCFS will be working with North Eastern Ontario Family and Children’s Services (NEOFACS) agency to complete the gradual transfer of child welfare services for First Nation communities in the catchment area, including Timmins and surrounding area.

KCFS and NEOFACS have been working closely together on service delivery through the transitional phase to designation.  The two agencies have signed an Intra Jurisdictional Protocol to ensure that the service system is seamless.  “NEOFACS supports the designation of KCFS and is committed to maintaining a strong and collaborative partnership” said Richard Lambert-Belanger.

As of May 1, 2015, KCFS is requesting that community partners contact KCFS regarding child welfare referrals or inquiries in relation to the First Nation members within their catchment area.  If community members or partners are unsure which agency to call or are unclear on the child or family’s First Nation affiliation, they can call either KCFS or NEOFACS and the agency will decide if the call should be transferred to the proper agency.

KCFS and NEOFACS are committed to supporting our community partners in this transition to a community-based service model.  KCFS has finalized child welfare protocols with the police, school boards, hospitals, Violence against Women Agencies and other programs that formalize the reporting and collaborative relationships.

KCFS and NEOFACS remain committed to keeping our stakeholders updated on the status of child welfare service file transfers to KCFS.

The children impacted by the transfers are, as always, our first priority as we work towards completing a smooth transition.  We encourage all families whom have current involvement with NEOFACS and KCFS to reach out to their assigned child welfare workers for more information on how the transition might affect them.

For after hours services or to reach our on call attendant between the hours of 4:30 pm to 8:30 am, please call (705) 360-8619 or toll free at 1-800-461-1293.