Children’s Services

 

Children’s Services provide care to children from birth to 21 years of age who cannot be cared for by their biological parents or guardian. The agency services families in the communities of Moosonee, Moose Factory, Fort Albany First Nation, Kashechewan First Nation, Attawapiskat First Nation & Peawanuck First Nation. There are different approaches used when Children come into the care of the Agency: Temporary Care Agreements: where children are over 12 years of age and the parents agree for them to come into care by signing a contract.

Society Wardship – the agency temporarily has care of the child, enforced through a court order

Crown Wardship – is permanent and the Society is now the legal parent of the child. Crown Wards of the Society can continue to receive assistance until the age of 21.

Once the child is in the care of the Society, it is the Societies responsibility to care for the child’s daily needs, through regular care and support, educational support, preparation for independence, visits with family, assistance in accessing appropriate medical care and counselling services. The agency has six child care workers who all work in the best interest of the child by developing Plans of Cares that focus on Health, Education, Identity, Family & Social Relationships, Social Presentation, Self-Care and Permanency Planning.

Once a child is in the care of the agency, the child has rights which the Child Care Worker will advocate for the child.

 

What Are Children’s Rights?

Rights are like laws. They protect you. They make sure that every moment a child’s in care, they are looked after the best way possible.

  1. The right to be heard.
  2. The right to participate in plan of care decisions.
  3. The right to freedom from Corporal Punishment.
  4. The right to appropriate Health Care.
  5. The right to Education and Religion of Choice.
  6. The right to be informed in a suitable language.
  7. The right to understand rules, discipline practices and responsibilities.
  8. The right to Access to Family, Social and Child Care workers, probation Officers and Lawyers.
  9. The right to Privacy.
  10. The right to the Advocacy Office and Complaint Procedures.
  11. The right to appropriate clothing & Recreation.
  12. The rights designed to look after children with special needs.
  13. The right to see your agency record if over the age of 12.
  14. The right to be informed of court proceedings and to attend them if over the age of 12.
  15. The right to request a placement review (RPAC).
  16. The Society is here look after the Child’s best interest.
  17. The Society has the responsibility to ensure the Child’s rights by providing a safe, secure place to live as close to a normal home environment as possible.

If you’re having problems or you feel that your rights are violated, talk to your worker. If you think something is wrong, there are other people you can talk to. Such as a teacher, medical professional, or a friend. If you’re not satisfied, you can get in touch with the Advocacy Office who will listen and help make things right. The Advocacy Office will keep your confidence and see to it that no one punishes you for calling their toll-free number at 1-800 263-3841.

Every child has a permanency plan which may include adoption, granting custody to a family member, customary care, preparation for independence, or returning the child to the legal guardian.