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The Native Services Branch of The Children's Aid Society of Brant was established in September, 1977 to serve the Six Nations and Mississaugas of the New Credit Nation communities. Every effort is made to recruit staff of Native ancestry to facilitate provision of more culturally appropriate intervention and services. We derive our mandate from The Child & Family Services Act, to provide child protection services as well as support to ensure the health and well-being of children. We operate through a Board of Directors elected by members from Brant County. Six Nations and Mississaugas of the New Credit Nation each have one seat set aside for them, and represent the interests of these communities on the Board.
Who Do We Help?
What Services Do We Provide? Intake - Available 24 hours a day Our Intake Social Worker receives reports, gathers information and develops a plan to ensure the safety of the children involved. The plan might involve referral to appropriate community supports and services, or at times the child(ren) must come into care. When children come into care, the appropriate Band Representative is informed to ensure the rights of children to their culture and community are respected and supported. Family Services Family Services work with the families needing support in meeting the needs of their children. They might be called upon to help families whose children are in care, focusing on helping them change the factors contributing to risk for their children. Family Services also work with families and their children to improve the skills, resources and the home environment to better meet the needs of children. Children's Services Children's Services Social Workers support children in care, through ensuring social, emotional, medical and educational needs are met. Resources The Branch has its own Resources Social Worker who is responsible for recruitment and maintenance of Native foster and adoptive homes. Foster families provide care to children requiring out of home placement while parents deal with the issues and factors presenting risk to their child(ren). Adoption is a legal process wherein Native children are placed with Native families on a permanent basis. Legislation Requires That:
Serious situations and harm to children may be avoided if suspicions are reported early. Professionals and citizens should provide the Society with as much information as possible, regarding the suspicions of abuse and their knowledge of the child and family. It is helpful if the family is notified of the report by the professional. We'll Keep You Posted The Brant CAS and Mississaugas of the New Credit Nation are currently looking at updating the present protocol in light of the recent changes to the CFSA. Consulting with The Children's Aid Society Sometimes community professionals and citizens are uncertain whether to contact the CAS because they lack evidence or information about the child, but nevertheless have a real concern for the child's well-being. The CAS is prepared to discuss case situations and offer guidance to the family. Together, a decision can be made as to whether the CAS's services are necessary. How to Report Call the CAS and report your concerns to the Intake Worker as soon as you suspect there is abuse or neglect. Together We Can Make a Difference In order to provide quality child welfare services to our Native communities, we need your involvement. Native families need to be raising their own Native children. Culture can be passed from generation to generation. The children must learn by example through language, through teaching, through living.
To receive more information or assistance call us: (519) 445-2247 After Hours Emergency Number (519) 753-8681 Native Services Branch The Children's Aid Society of Brant P.O. Box 39 Ohsweken, ON N0A 1M0
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