Thunder Bay CAS, Dilico and Community Agencies Collaborate To Support at Risk Babies and Families

NEWS RELEASE
Wednesday May 13, 2009

For Immediate Release

THUNDER BAY, ON‐‐Children’s Aid Society of the District of Thunder Bay (CAS), Dilico Anishinabek Family Care (Dilico) and community partners strengthened their commitment to protecting infants and supporting families living in high risk environments at the official launch of the Thunder Bay Infant Response Plan.“We are here today to formalize a partnership and working agreement between several service providers in our community,” said Rob Richardson, Executive Director, CAS. “This partnership will enhance the coordination of our services so that caregivers facing significant challenges will get the help they need—this may include counselling, parenting education, housing, healthcare, and addictions services.”

The Thunder Bay Infant Response Plan is a community‐based plan that ensures professionals from different service agencies work collaboratively to provide the support families need to remain together in a safe environment that is optimal for the growth and development of their infant(s) under the age of thirty‐six (36) months. An infant is considered to be living in a high‐risk environment when conditions exist that could result in significant harm to the infant. The factors that may contribute to an at‐risk environment include those related to the infant, the caregiver, the home environment and the support system.

“Many parents are raising children and are dealing with poverty, deprivation, racism, and historical trauma,” said Susan Verrill, Director of Child Welfare Services, Dilico Anishinabek Family Care. “At the same time they are challenged with many issues related to housing, food security, addiction, mental and physical health, employment and child care. This plan is about engaging the community as a whole—we all have a role to play in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our children.”

This new program is voluntary—expectant parents or caregivers with children under the age of thirty‐six (36) months decide if they would like to become involved. The program starts with a community service provider identifying an at‐risk infant and contacting the child welfare agency (CAS or Dilico). CAS or Dilico then contacts the caregiver(s) of the infant to determine their needs and supports and to obtain voluntary consent to contact other service providers who are able to help.

CAS or Dilico will coordinate an initial group meeting involving the caregiver, family supports, and service providers to share information, listen to the caregiver’s story and determine the caregiver’s needs and strengths. At this meeting, the group will develop a plan of action outlining roles and responsibilities. Ongoing meetings will occur when there is a significant change in the plan or when a significant stress arises in the caregiver’s life (e.g. job loss, birth of baby, etc.) When it is determined that the infant and family is no longer at‐risk and no longer in need of the service, the group will meet to review the goals achieved and to identify ongoing supports for the family.

The Children’s Aid Society of the District of Thunder Bay and Dilico Anishinabek Family Care deliver a range of responsive individual, family and community programs to children, individuals and families in northern Ontario. Both agencies work with families, youth, children and communities so all children have the opportunity to reach their full potential.

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For further information, contact:

Rob Richardson
Executive Director
The Children’s Aid Society of the District of Thunder Bay
Phone: (807) 343‐6100

Celeste Pedri,
Communications Manager
Dilico Anishinabek Family Care
Phone: 626‐7970/629‐3367