At the present time, Anishinaabe children and families are involved in provincial systems. Therefore, GCT No. 3 would like to provide information on the current child welfare complaint process.
Child and Family Service providers have formal complaint processes. Information about the steps for these processes can be found at:
- Anishinaabe Abinoojii Family Services: https://www.aafs.ca/contact/service-complaints/.
After receiving a complaint, the Naaisidoon Internal Review Panel will send notification within 7 days if they will review your complaint. Review processes may take time. If you do not desire to wait for a Review Panel, AAFS also notes that you can take your complaint to the Child and Family Services Review Board.
- Weechiitewin CFS: https://www.weechi.ca/service_complaints
Within seven days of receiving a written complaint, correspondence will be sent to the complainant indicating if their case will be brought before the Naag-gu-chichi-chi-gaa-win Committee.
- Animiki Ozoson CFS (Winnipeg): https://animikii.org/fostering/appeal-process/
- Dilico Anishinabek Family Care (Thunder Bay) https://www.dilico.com/contact/
- Toronto Native Child and Family Services (Toronto): https://nativechild.org/about-us/feedback/
Toronto Native Child and Family Services have four stages to their complaint process;
- Discussion with the Child and Family Well-being worker
- Bringing the complaint before the Supervisor
- Bringing a complaint before the Manager
- An Original Talking Circle, lead by a facilitator alongside an Elder or Knowledge Keeper.
Children and families also have avenues outside of child welfare service providers. Complaints and concerns can also be brought before a provincial ombudsman and watchdog.