Family Well-Being
Program Description
Family Well-Being is an intensive early intervention program focused on providing support to families to minimize identified risk of involvement in Child Welfare, deescalating protection concerns, and supporting the reunification of families with children in out of home placements. The program assists families in achieving sustainable outcomes by delivering Culturally appropriate supports and interventions for families to achieve effective skills and strategies for independence, resiliency, and diversion of crises. Family Well-Being is grounded in traditional Anishinabek values demonstrated in all program deliverables with all participants being supported in taking control of their own environment and owning their own pathway to wellness through self-directed wellness strategies and goal setting.
Wellness Plans
Wellness plans are created with families to aid families in reaching the goals they would like to achieve. The goal of the plans is to provide First Nation families with the tools and resources to allow them to care for their children independently and to avoid admission into care. Goals could include, but are not limited to, advocacy, housing needs, financial planning, life skills/parenting skills, educational needs, referrals and re-unification. Our Family Well-Being workers empower families to gain the skills and knowledge needed to access community resources and practice the skills learnt successfully on their own.
Testimonial
“As a single mother struggling at this time, I do find relief and support from this program. I was blessed with an amazing worker whom is very supportive, understanding and always willing to help with any struggles I may have. I do not feel judged. I am a person who struggles to ask for help and with this program and my supportive worker I am able to work on this part of myself which helps me grow as a person and a mother. This program has taught me to teach my girls that it is okay, and it is healthy to ask for help when we need it.”
Group Programming
Family Well-Being group workers provide programming to families across the Seven First Nations along the North Shore which are developed through the common themes disclosed in the Family Well-Being referral process. Group workers can provide one on one programming to individuals who request extra support. Programming includes, but is not limited to; Healthy Cooking, Red Path, Triple P, Family Activities, Parent Drop-Ins, Cultural Teachings and Life Skills/Parenting Skills.
Testimonial
“The greatest gift group programming has given me has been the gift of talk and finding my voice.”
Service Eligibility
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Family is a member and /or affiliated with the Seven First Nations along the North Shore living off Reserve.
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Assist in providing additional services to families who are receiving services from their First Nation and who are residing on Reserve, when requested from First Nations and/or the family.
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Families with children under the age of eighteen (18) years of age.
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Families who are experiencing challenges and if left unaddressed, may lead to Child Welfare involvement.
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Family Well-Being Services is a voluntary program and families must consent prior to receiving services.
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Families must have goals they would like to achieve while involved in the program.
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Contact our Intake Department at 1-800-465-0999 to complete the referral process. Specify which program you want to be referred to (Family Well-Being or Family Well-Being Group).
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Advocacy – Assist families to navigate complex systems in order to obtain appropriate interventions and services within the community.
Education – Assist families with application forms and navigating funding sources. Families receive education support for their child(ren) when it is felt that their needs are not being met at school.
Family Reunification – Assist families with family reunification when child(ren) by mitigate risks and address the family’s unique presenting issues and risk factors which contributed to the child(ren) being placed outside of the family home.
Financial Security– Assist families find gainful employment, allocate funds appropriately, budget for current and future needs, and complete necessary application forms (ODSP/OW/Child Tax Benefits).
Harm Reduction – Assist families or individuals by providing education on safe-use and teach skills to lower or reduce use/intake and risk.
Housing Affordability– Assist families conduct housing searches, identifying community resources, assisting in completing applications, accompanying families to appointments and advocating on their behalf.
Housing Maintenance– Assist families organize, participating in cleaning/repairing the home, teaching home maintenance/repair skills and helping develop home routines for upkeep routine.
Legal – Assist families or individuals by linking them to community resources, helping to obtain legal aid, transporting to court appearances, and advocating on their behalf.
Life Skills – Assist families by teaching effective communication strategies, conflict resolution, stress management, establishing routines, preparing healthy meals and problem-solving skills.
Obtaining Status – Assist families by identifying contacts, supporting necessary phone calls, accompanying to appointments and helping complete documentation.
Parenting Skills – Assist families learn how to manage challenging behaviors, establishing routines, identifying age appropriate milestones and establishing rules or expectations.
Referral Internal and External – Assist families by identifying community resources that address the family’s needs and referring the individual or family to appropriate program(s).
Self-Care – Assist families or individuals by focusing on the emotional, mental, physical and spiritual well-being of each family member. Family Well-Being Workers also help by educating families on the importance of self-care and identifying interests.
Substance Use – Assist families by providing education on effects of substance use, helping identify effective coping strategies, sharing information regarding treatment options, advocating and completing referrals.
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The Family Well-Being Program provides services for 12-15 weeks. If families require additional support, the program can remain open to assist the family.
There is no limit to how many times a family can participate in the program. Families can re-refer to the program when they need assistance
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Group programming can be offered in a group setting or one on one with a facilitator. Currently, programming is being offered using the TEAMS platform due to restrictions of COVID-19. We can meet the needs of the communities and individuals we work with.
Triple P: Learn new parenting skills using the Triple P Curriculum.
Healthy Cooking: Learn healthy cooking recipes that are budget friendly.
Drop-In Sessions: An opportunity to share with other parents, successes and challenges you may be experiencing with your children and teenagers.
Cultural Teachings: Build identity and gain knowledge through different Anishinabek Teachings.
Red Path Living Without Violence: Provides community-based, culturally appropriate treatment & preventative services for First Nation members experiencing or having experienced domestic violence.
Virtual Beading: Learn to bead with a facilitator. Building positive relationships and social interactions.
Healthy Relationships: Providing a safe virtual space to share personal and positive experiences around self-esteem, relationships and social interactions.
Family Activates: Participate in different programming as a family unit. Supplies will be provided to participants.
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The Family Well-Being Program is an intensive in-home program. Families will learn tools and resources to allow them to care for their children independently. The program is strength-based and we meet the family where they are at on their journey. Our Family Well-Being Workers empower families to strengthen their skills and knowledge needed and provide resources within the community.
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If you require support regarding the services we offer, please call our Intake Department to complete a referral.
The Family Well-Being Program is a voluntary service that supports families in achieving obtainable goals. Families do not have to be involved in other Nogdawindamin programming to participate in this program.