Roots

Past to Present

• Over recent decades, it has become evident that Aboriginal children and families have not been served in a culturally appropriate manner.
• Aboriginal values, traditions, language and culture have continued to decline.
• Most importantly, is the decline of the traditional role that family and community play in a child’s life and the effects that this may have for their future. 

Background of Roots

• The government in British Columbia acknowledges that the current service delivery system does not address the diverse issues that Aboriginal children and families are faced with.
• In light of this, front line workers have been forced to be extremely creative in planning and caring for Aboriginal families to ensure that services are delivered in a culturally appropriate manner

Vision Statement

• To ensure that each Aboriginal child in the care of the Ministry of Children and Family Development has a culturally specific plan of care that will respect, preserve, and promote the child’s Aboriginal identity, and his or her ties to family, community and heritage.

Mission Statement

• Roots Practice promotes the health and well being of Aboriginal children, youth and families by honoring and respecting past, present and future generations. 

Roots Objectives

• To ensure that all Aboriginal children in care are connected to their Aboriginal families and communities, culture & heritage.
• To encourage and assist Aboriginal communities in reconnecting and assist Aboriginal communities in reconnecting and reclaiming their children and youth who are in the care of MCFD
• Nurture a sense of belonging for Aboriginal children in care, a sense that they are part of and connected to: their birth and extended family, Aboriginal community, culture & heritage

Roots Outcomes

• Where Possible, Aboriginal children will be reunified with their Aboriginal community.
• Reunification will include:
• Determination of Aboriginal heritage
• Genogram and /or ancestral tiesshort term and / or emergency placement with extended family and / or relatives long term placement planning for child
• Development of cultural plan