Inuit Child Welfare and Family Support: Policies, Programs and Strategies

The Inuit Child Welfare and Family Support report was developed as a result of the identification of children’s health as a priority within the Inuit Tuttarvingat strategic plan. The report is an amalgamation of research and policy reviews concerning Inuit communities and their involvement with the child welfare system. An overview of the status of Inuit children in Canada is provided, as well as the historical factors contributing to the current challenges faced by Inuit communities. The disproportionate number of Inuit children receiving child welfare and family support services is attributed to systemic issues Inuit communities face, in addition to the lack of Inuit involvement in child welfare legislation. Further research is recommended in order to fully understand the overrepresentation of Inuit children in child welfare care. The determinants of health model provides a framework for understanding the overrepresentation of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children in the child welfare system and receiving family support. This model considers various personal, economic, social and environmental factors contributing to poor health outcomes, and unhealthy families and communities. Specific issues that impact Inuit communities, such as child and family poverty and community involvement, are identified and included in the proposal for addressing systemic barrier.