Practice Standards Re-design Project - Some Frequently Asked Question

Questions and Answers

1. Why Now?

  • The AOPSI Practice Standards were last reviewed and updated in 2005; they are due for another revision.
  • The Delegated Agencies, Ministry of Children and Family Development and Indian and Northern Affairs all agree that there is an opportunity now to do more than revise a set of standards that are, for the most part, based on Ministry policies and standards.

2. If we participate, who owns the knowledge? i.e., how can our communities be sure that our knowledge will be protected and owned by our people?

  • The traditional knowledge of the community is owned by the community. A copy of any written notes created during the information gathering process will be provided to each community. Each community will be invited to make comments or to request changes to the notes created from the information sessions.
  • The standards themselves will not quote localized and traditional knowledge, but they will honour the knowledge and acknowledge the intrinsic principles, beliefs and values found within.

3. Why can't the Nations draw down their own legislation instead?

  • Through Treaty processes and other negotiations with government, Nations have negotiated the authority to draw down their own legislation with regard to child and family services and other matters affecting the Nation.
  • This re-design does not take the place of a Nation's authority or aspirations.
  • The re-design will support or work in parallel to those authorities and aspirations. At a minimum, this re-design acknowledges the communities' traditional models.
  • At the same time, this re-design has the potential to create a framework for a Nation to create its own legislation under treaty or other negotiations.

4. How is this different than previous information gathering sessions?

  • Indigenous people and communities have been subject to much research. This project acknowledges this history and wants to ensure that the information gathered and utilized to build the standards is accurate and truly reflects an Indigenous worldview.
  • The community information sessions are an opportunity to share information and ensure that the project is getting it right.

5. Can we be guaranteed that new practice standards will lead to new legislation?

  • It is impossible to guarantee legislative change. MCFD, however, has acknowledged that the re-designed standards may require legislative change. As such, there is an implicit acknowledgement on the part of the Ministry to move forward in bringing this matter to the attention of the Legislature, should that become necessary for the success of the project.

6. Can we be assured that this Re-Design can accommodate the diversity amongst the province's Indigenous people?

  • A one-size-fits-all approach would deny the diversity of Indigenous people in BC. Any approach this project pursues, however, must be applicable to all delegated agency practice in the province.
  • The challenge of the Re-Design is to create a province-wide expectation that facilitates localized interpretations and implementation.

7. Is this only about achieving the milestones, tasks and expectations identified within MCFD's Operational Plan, Strong Safe and Supported?

  • No, it is much more. Strong, Safe, and Supported is MCFD's commitment to all the children and youth in BC. The government's outcomes, expectations, and opportunities are outlined in this document.
  • The Re-design falls under Pillar Four: The Aboriginal Approach. This Re-design is more than the government meeting their expectations; it is about building on opportunities for First Nations, Aboriginal, and Métis people.

This is an opportunity to develop standards from a traditional Indigenous worldview. The success of this project has a number of benefits. First, it acknowledges traditions as the starting point. Second, it affirms culturally appropriate practice. Finally, it creates a new mechanism for Nations and communities to move forward in their desires for full authority and jurisdiction over child and family services for their people.

8. Who is the Project Lead?

  • Nota Bene Consulting Group – made up of Sharon Hume, Carol Hubberstey, Marilyn Van Bibber, and Deborah Rutman - have been hired by Caring for First Nations Children Society to be the project lead for the Re-Design project. They have extensive experience in research, evaluation, project management, and communication skills and have worked previously with Aboriginal communities and initiatives.

To contact the Project Lead team, please email: notebenegroup@shaw.ca

For more information, go to: http://www.cfncs.com/