b'SOCIAL DEVELOPMENTRESEARCH PROFILE: Reforming First NationsChild and Family Services FundingI n September 2020, the Institute of Fiscal Studies andinclude community engagement, health, education and housing. Democracy (IFSD) presented a new approach to fundingTaken together, these indicators will provide a holistic picture ofand measuring the results of the First Nations Child andthe well-being of First Nations children, familiesFamily Services (FNCFS) program in Canada. This workand communities. was overseen by the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) and FirstIn January 2020, An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Nations Child and Family Caring Society, in partnership withMtis children, youth and families came into force, affirming AFNs National Advisory Committee on FNCFS First Nations rights to self-governance in FNCFS. However, Program Reform.this new legislation does not yet have funding to support it. The The IFSD report proposes a needs-based funding approach thatlegislation affirms that there must be a change in how FNCFS is addresses the known shortfalls in the way the FNCFS programfunded to create long-term, positive outcomes for First Nations has historically been funded, as well as a framework to measurechildren and families that are sustainable and grounded in the well-being of First Nations children, their families andsubstantive equality. The bottom-up funding approach proposed communities. The new approach considers childrens well-beingby the IFSD provides a model to reach this goal, defining in the context of their environment, including housing, waterfunding parameters to support the well-being of First Nations and poverty. In order to raise healthy and thriving First Nationschildren and families through equitable services andchildren, the communities they live in need to be healthy andFirst Nations control. thriving, too. The new approach is grounded in the unique experience of The funding approach seeks to address areas of need, insteadFNCFS agencies, which understands first-hand the challenges of the current funding model that is driven by the number ofFNCFS agencies face. The current funding model is driven children in care. FNCFS providers will be empowered to act inby the number of children in care in a top-down approach the best interests of children and families and to address needsthat does not support First Nations-led decision making. The like prevention services and poverty. This new approach willproposed approach is built from the bottom-up and is driven by involve new data collection and accountability structures thatindicators of well-being in the Measuring to Thrive framework. will take time to develop, in a process that must be Community need, performance and First Nations control are First Nations-led.core elements of the funding approach, which align to the new In order to better serve First Nations children, families andlegislation. The proposed funding approach accounts for factors communities, FNCFS providers need to be able to holisticallyincluding poverty, prevention, geography, capital and fixed serve First Nations children and families in the context ofassets, information technology and results. their community. The Measuring to Thrive framework supportsThe implementation of a new funding model and tool for better data collection and results by measuring what matters tomeasuring the well-being of First Nations children, families support improved well-being of children, families and communities will take time and must be led by First and communities.Nations. Transition will require partnership among all levels Examples of indicators for children include safety, development,of government. This collaboration will transform the FNCFS physical health and connection to culture and language. Forsystem from one that is discriminatory and hindering for First families, indicators include income, social participation andNations children and families to one that supports themparticipation in cultural traditions. For communities, indicatorsto thrive.62 The Circle Winter Issue 1 2020'