APFA Press Release

November 25, 2004

The Aboriginal Peoples Family Accord (APFA) is pleased to release the First Version of their Child and Family Service Plan. The 120-page document describes a holistic vision on how aboriginal child welfare can be changed within the Interior of British Columbia.

The APFA Service Plan workstowards securing more input for Aboriginal People, including First Nations, urban aboriginal communities and the Métis Nation, concerning the health and safety of their children and youth. Even though aboriginal children make up only eight percent of this province’s population between 0-18 years, as of June they accounted for about 45 percent of B.C.’s children in care. By contrast in 1995, aboriginal children made up about 35 percent of this province’s children in care.

APFA Transition Coordinator Eliza Terbasket says the Service Plan part of a lengthy consultation process and the document is not carved in stone.

"I cannot stress enough the fact this service plan is a snapshot about what communities said they would like to see changed within the current child welfare system. This is a living document and therefore subject to change along with the needs of Aboriginal communities,” promises Terbasket.

The Interior has been divided up into four service delivery zones, which are not necessarily reflective of traditional territories. Aboriginal communities have made many recommendations including:

• The Cariboo Chilcotin zone service plan proposes a mobile service delivery system to increase services to rural communities.
• The Okanagan zone is exploring community advisory tables as a governance mechanism for ongoing feedback to the APFA board of directors.
• The Kootenay zone also calls for increased awareness and funding to curb the reoccurring problem of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).
• The Thompson/Shuswap/Lillooet zone plan focuses on a family preservation model, which emphasises the inherent strengths of family support for children.

The Service Plan took more than a year to complete. A total of six zone facilitators garnered feedback from aboriginal communities from Cranbrook to the Chilcotin.

Service Plan principles range from a long-term vision of healing and wellness to ensuring aboriginal values and cultural competency are incorporated into planning child welfare service delivery.

“We have to look at doing things differently,” said Terbasket. “The current (child welfare) system is not working for Aboriginal People. We can make a difference, but these transformations are not going to come quickly or easily. The Service Plan is an important first step in making some positive changes to improve the outcomes of our most valuable resource – our children.”

For a PDF printable version of the APFA Service Delivery Plan, visit our Service Plan page.

For further information contact APFA spokespeople:

Bob Pasco Political Chair (250) 455-2711

Eliza Terbasket Transition Coordinator (250) 707-0095 ext.117

Debbie Abbott Board Chair (250) 455-2711

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