Quality Improvement Progress Tracker
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70 total action items
Administer staff survey around SDM® to establish baseline and information to inform training.
Anticipated Outcome
The Department has baseline information on the level of knowledge possessed by staff around the SDM® assessment tools.
Status Summary
The survey was completed in October 2018. Results are being used to inform training and practice support.
As per the methodology described in the project plan (action 1.9), perform ongoing assessments of the financial and human resources needed to deliver child and family services.
Anticipated Outcome
A fair, equitable and adequate distribution of resources across all regions and authorities.
Status Summary
During the 2019-2020 fiscal year, the definition of caseload was further refined through input of the CFS Quality Committee, which included regional, Departmental and NTHSSA Headquarters staff. The caseload methodology has been adjusted to take into consideration the cases held by Foster Care and Adoption Workers. Using this refined methodology, caseload was measured three times (May and October 2019; and May 2020) to determine if there were fluctuations, trends and anomalies within community and regional caseloads in comparison with previous measures of caseload.
Details
Deadlines will be identified in the project plan (see action item 1.9).
Clarify roles and responsibilities of practice support within the TCSA, HRHSSA, NTHSSA and DHSS, and in relation to each other. Communicate to all Child and Family Services Staff.
Anticipated Outcome
All Child and Family Services Staff have role clarity for practice support.
Status Summary
This action item was achieved through the establishment of the Accountability Framework and CFS Approval Process. These documents were implemented and communicated in January 2019.
Complete a comprehensive update to Foster Care Standards and Procedures to reflect leading practices.
Anticipated Outcome
Foster care standards are clear, and reflect leading practices.
Status Summary
A range of Indigenous service models are being examined to inform alternative community care for children and youth. The goal is to have more children remain in their home communities, and be connected with their culture, community members and family. This work along with community engagement will inform how to best update the foster care standards. In June 2020, funding was provided to support community engagement to develop customary care models. With the federal government’s An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families coming into force on January 1st, 2020, the Department of Health and Social Services is working with the Departments of Justice and Executive and Indigenous Affairs to develop standards to support the implementation of this Act in the NWT. As such, any revisions to existing NWT CFS standards must align with the work on the Federal Act. Therefore, the work to update the Foster Care standards will be put on hold until community engagement is completed, and the standards related to the Federal Act are completed.
Complete a comprehensive update to the investigation section of the Child and Family Services Standards and Procedures Manual to integrate leading practices, forensic interviewing techniques, and Structured Decision Making Assessment Tools®.
Anticipated Outcome
Investigation standards are clear, and reflect leading practices.
Status Summary
With the federal government’s An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families coming into force on January 1st, 2020, the Department of Health and Social Services is working with the Departments of Justice and Executive and Indigenous Affairs to develop standards to support the implementation of this Act in the NWT. As such, any revisions to existing NWT CFS standards must align with the work on the Federal Act. Therefore, the work to update the investigation standards will be put on hold until the standards related to the Federal Act are completed.
Complete a comprehensive update to the plan of care agreement section of the Child and Family Services Standards and Procedures Manual to reflect leading practices and Structured Decision Making Assessment Tools®.
Anticipated Outcome
Plan of Care Agreement Standards are clear, and reflect leading practices.
Status Summary
With the federal government’s An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families coming into force on January 1st, 2020, the Department of Health and Social Services is working with the Departments of Justice and Executive and Indigenous Affairs to develop standards to support the implementation of this Act in the NWT. As such, any revisions to existing NWT CFS standards must align with the work on the Federal Act. Therefore, the work to update the Plan of Care Agreement standards will be put on hold until the standards related to the Federal Act are completed.
Complete system-wide accreditation.
Anticipated Outcome
The Child and Family Services System is continuously improved upon based on quality assurance processes.
Status Summary
The HSS system has completed and received accreditation through Accreditation Canada. Child and Family Services was included as part of the accreditation process.
Conduct Child and Family Services staff teleconferences to highlight special initiatives, good news stories, discuss topics of interest/concern and receive feedback.
Anticipated Outcome
The Child and Family Services System is continuously improved upon based on knowledge and experience of others.
Status Summary
Consistent monthly teleconferences were initiated in July 2018. During the containment phase of the pandemic, we introduced weekly “all staff” meetings as a means of keeping staff engaged and informed of key practice changes. For phase 2 of the pandemic, we have moved the meetings to every three weeks to ensure staff have consistent messaging and an opportunity to provide feedback.
Conduct NWT System Wide Audit of key legislative and standard requirements.
Anticipated Outcome
The Child and Family Services System is continuously improved upon based on quality assurance processes.
Status Summary
The 2018-2019 NWT System Wide Audits have been completed for all Authorities. Regional Reports were distributed in June 2020. The service system has created an action plan to address the audit findings. Strategies to improve system quality and compliance will also be integrated in the quality review process and inform actions within this quality improvement plan.
Between October 2020 and March 2021, the NTHSSA has scheduled a series of mandatory refresher trainings for all staff based on the key audit findings.
Conduct a review of children in Out-of-Territory (OOT) Specialized Services to ensure a current interprovincial placement agreement (IPPA) for each child is in place with applicable provisions for courtesy supervision.
Anticipated Outcome
Children and youth in OOT Specialized Services have a current IPPA.
Status Summary
The OOT database was restructured in August 2018 to track and manage IPPAs. All IPPAs were reviewed by October 2018. The work of ensuring the IPPAs are up-to-date is ongoing.
Conduct quality reviews on Plan of Care Agreements.
Anticipated Outcome
Children and youth have meaningful contact with their Child Protection Workers as well as appropriate case planning and permanency planning.
Status Summary
A quarterly quality review process was implemented in July 2019. Completion of regular quality reviews were put on hold due to the COVID-19 situation. The immediate attention for staff was to adjust the delivery of child and family services in compliance with public health orders, and to maximize resources to provide increased contact and support to children, youth and families. The system response was to maintain regular contact with children, youth and families - in some instances; we were able to surpass the minimum standard.
As of October 2020, measuring compliance on key plan of care agreement requirements is back on track.
Conduct quality reviews on children and youth who are in the Director’s temporary and permanent care.
Anticipated Outcome
Children and youth have meaningful contact with their Child Protection Workers as well as appropriate case planning and permanency planning.
Status Summary
A quarterly quality review process was implemented in July 2019. Completion of regular quality reviews were put on hold due to the COVID-19 situation. The immediate attention for staff was to adjust the delivery of child and family services in compliance with public health orders, and to maximize resources to provide increased contact and support to children, youth and families. The system response was to maintain regular contact with children, youth and families - in some instances; we were able to surpass the minimum standard. In collaboration with the Foster Family Coalition, we also developed child and teen COVID-19 booklets to support their understanding and coping during the pandemic. We have completed focused quality checks related to case planning for youth aging out of services.
As of October 2020, measuring compliance on key case planning and permanency planning requirements is back on track..
Conduct quality reviews to monitor adherence to minimum contacts and case reviews for children and youth in OOT placements.
Anticipated Outcome
Children and youth are supported in their OOT Specialized Service.
Status Summary
During the COVID-19 situation, we have ongoing calls with all Out of Territory Service providers to monitor the safety and health of children and youth. Through virtual services, we are having ongoing contact with children and youth in OOT Placements.
The quality tool for minimum contacts for children and youth in OOT placements is being completed on a quarterly basis.
Conduct quality reviews to monitor compliance on key foster care requirements.
Anticipated Outcome
Foster homes are appropriately assessed and screened.
Status Summary
Reviews were initiated in October 2018. This action will continue on a quarterly basis. The completion of foster care quality reviews were put on hold due to the COVID-19 situation. The immediate attention for staff was to adjust the delivery of child and family services in compliance with public health orders; and to increase contact and support to foster caregivers and the children residing in these homes. As of October 2020, measuring compliance on key foster care requirements is back on track.
To ensure the quality of foster care services and to respond to potential gaps, the Foster Family Coalition participated in the COVID-19 response for Child and Family Services.
Conduct quality reviews to monitor compliance on key investigation requirements. Conduct follow-up regional meetings to discuss results and determine strategies to improve compliance.
Anticipated Outcome
Focused strategies are being used to improve compliance with key investigation standards.
Status Summary
Based on lessons learned from the quality reviews, authority staff have been working closely with regions to improve compliance with investigations standards.
Reviews were initiated in May 2018. This action will continue on a monthly basis.
Continue to implement the comprehensive human resources recruitment and retention plan.
Anticipated Outcome
The Child and Family Services System has increased capacity to deliver quality services to children, youth and families.
Status Summary
The human resources recruitment and retention plan was completed in May 2019. Implementation is underway. A staff recruitment model is being used where we can fill multiple Community Social Services Workers positions at the same time across the NWT. This has resulted in more streamlined and efficient hiring of community social services workers.
Between October 2018 and September 2020, the vacancy rate for the Child and Family Services system has decreased from 25% to 16.8%. The most recent vacancy rate includes the 20 new positions that were added to the Child and Family Services in June 2020. We are in the process of filling these positions.
Job descriptions and salaries for some key positions have been standardized across the NWT to support the consistent delivery of services. In February and May 2020, a survey was sent to all Child and Family Services Staff. Results from this survey will be used to create strategies to improve staff support, satisfaction and wellness. The NTHSSA is also conducting a workplace assessment for Child and Family Services to improve retention of staff.
Details
This is ongoing.
Create an oversight mechanism for the practice of transferring guardianship.
Anticipated Outcome
The Statutory Director has increased oversight over the practice of transferring guardianship.
Status Summary
An oversight mechanism was created for the new standard on the practice of transferring guardianship in April 2019.
Create expert SDM® trainers within the NWT Child and Family Services System.
Anticipated Outcome
SDM® is being implemented in a way that is sustainable and provides ongoing learning for staff.
Status Summary
The training leads have taken on the role of ‘expert’ SDM® trainer and are delivering all SDM® training components within the Child Protection Worker Statutory Core Training and have provided regional refresher training on SDM®.
Details
This was completed in May 2019.
Create policies and processes to support equitable distribution of supports under voluntary services agreements; support services agreements; and extended support services agreements.
Anticipated Outcome
Children, youth and their families are provided with preventions services that meet their needs.
Status Summary
As part of our response to the COVID-19 situation, we are offering short-term financial support to help families meet their basic needs if they cannot get enough assistance from other programs. We have extended support services for youth in care and young adults who are aging out of these services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Details
To be completed by July 2020.
Deliver refresher trainings on current SDM® Assessment Tools for Managers and Supervisors, and frontline staff.
Anticipated Outcome
SDM® is being used consistently across the NWT.
Status Summary
Between February and May 2019, refresher trainings were delivered on current SDM® Assessment Tools for Managers and Supervisors, and some frontline staff. Refresher webinars on specific SDM® Assessment Tools were delivered in September and November 2019.
Develop a family preservation program for the NWT that strengthens partnerships with community resources.
Anticipated Outcome
Families have access to additional resources focused on preservation.
Status Summary
As a result of new funding received in June 2020, there is now at least one funded family preservation position in every region of the NWT.
The training pathway for family preservation workers is currently under development and is anticipated to be launched before March 31, 2021.
Develop a monitoring plan for the OOT Specialized Services Program.
Anticipated Outcome
Children, youth and families have access to quality services through the OOT Specialized Services Program.
Status Summary
The monitoring plan was finalized in March 2019.
Develop a project plan to conduct ongoing assessments of Child and Family Services’ optimal team design and skill mix, workload, workflow, and caseloads.
Anticipated Outcome
A fair, equitable and adequate distribution of resources across all regions and authorities.
Status Summary
The project plan was developed by July 2019. Other jurisdictions are also actively working on similar projects. As described in the project plan itself, the NWT will continue to engage with other jurisdictions to inform and further refine the work completed to date in the NWT. This information will help to continue to evolve the approach to assessing workload and caseload.
Develop a set of key indicators to collect and track data that will help determine whether the Child and Family Services System is meeting its goals and better supporting children and families.
Anticipated Outcome
There is increased monitoring and reporting of relevant indicators.
Status Summary
The Department will be leveraging indicators developed the Pan-Northern Data Project. The Territorial Governments are leading the country in joint reporting on Child and Family Services through the Pan-Northern Data Project. The Pan-Northern Project is a five-year project (February 2018 to March 2023) that involves the Public Health Agency of Canada, Government of Yukon, Government of Northwest Territories, and Government of Nunavut. The purpose of the project is to collaboratively develop relevant and meaningful child and family services indicators derived from administrative data.
Details
Ongoing
Develop a written protocol for quality assurance checks of the SDM tools, with feedback mechanism.
Anticipated Outcome
Quality Assurance on the SDM® Assessment Tools checks are systematic and standardized.
Status Summary
The written protocol for quality assurance checks of the SDM tools was completed in February 2019.
Develop and implement a foster care recruitment and retention strategy.
Anticipated Outcome
Children in care are placed in foster homes as close to their community as possible.
Status Summary
In collaboration with the Foster Family Coalition of the NWT, a foster care recruitment campaign was launched with a video, posters, and an all NWT mail out (March – April 2019). In October 2019, the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority completed a Foster Care Recruitment and Retention Strategy. The strategy was informed by a foster care survey that was sent to all foster caregivers throughout the NWT.
The Foster Family Coalition of the NWT is supporting the recruitment of foster caregivers during the COVID-19 situation through their social media platforms.
Develop and implement a phased training framework.
Anticipated Outcome
Child and Family Services Staff have access to consistent and quality training to assist them in fulfilling their responsibilities.
Status Summary
Information is being gathered to inform the phased training framework. The enhanced Child Protection Worker Statutory Core Training is currently being piloted and will be integrated into the framework. As part of our COVID-19 response, virtual training has been developed for new staff. This training can also be used with current staff, including Case Aides and Family Preservation Workers.
The Child Protection Worker Statutory Core is currently under review following the delivery of 3 pilot training programs from June 2019 to March 2020. Information is being gathering to inform the final phases of the framework.
Details
This is ongoing.
Develop and implement the Child and Family Services Communication Plan for internal and external stakeholders.
Anticipated Outcome
Stakeholders will have the relevant information to support Child and Family Services in the NWT.
Status Summary
Letters were sent to key stakeholders to inform them about key service changes and enhancements during the COVID-19 situation. This letter also asked them to look out for safety concerns in their communities, and to report any suspected child maltreatment and neglect to their local CFS office. In June 2020, we launched social media advertisement related to reporting suspected child maltreatment and neglect. The GNWT COVID-19 website is being used to communicate any service changes and enhancements to Child and Family Services.
Develop processes to engage and receive feedback from children, youth and families to help improve the system and services.
Anticipated Outcome
Child and Family Services are informed by feedback from child, youth and families.
Status Summary
In collaboration with the Foster Family Coalition of the NWT and the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs, a youth in care network will be piloted virtually through the GLOW (“Gaining Life Skills OUR Way”) program. This program will be available to youth living in care who are aged 12 – 23. This network will give youth opportunities to speak out on important issues about their experience in care and their transition to young adulthood. Youth will also have opportunities to develop important life skills, and make lasting friendships with other youth who have similar life experiences.
Details
This is ongoing.
Engage staff to better understand the challenges and opportunities in meeting key standards on interviews and investigations.
Anticipated Outcome
Focused strategies are being used to improve compliance with key investigation standards.
Status Summary
The NTHSSA is actively reviewing the regional and territorial barriers and solutions in complying with standards related to interviews and investigations.
Details
This is ongoing.
Ensure there are mechanisms in place after training events to capture Child and Family Services Staff feedback to inform programs, services, and policies.
Anticipated Outcome
The Child and Family Services System is continuously improved upon based on knowledge and experience of others.
Status Summary
Participant questionnaires are regularly collected after training events.
Details
This is ongoing.
Establish a Child and Family Services Quality Committee and Working Groups.
Anticipated Outcome
The Child and Family Services System is continuously improved upon based on knowledge and experience of others.
Status Summary
To ensure the quality of services and to mitigate risks to children and families, the Child and Family Services system launched a specific working group to inform our response to COVID-19. This working group includes representation from all three authorities, and the Foster Family Coalition of the NWT. Other working groups have been put on hold as a result of the COVID-19 situation.
Establish a Culturally Respectful Child and Family Services System Quality Working Group to inform actions under this priority area.
Anticipated Outcome
Child and Family Services are informed by feedback from the working group.
Status Summary
The Child and Family Services system launched a specific working group to inform our response to COVID-19. This working group includes representation from all three authorities, and the Foster Family Coalition of the NWT. Other working groups have been put on hold as a result of the COVID-19 situation.
Before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, Indigenous Health and Community Wellness Division is working with Child and Family Services to provide expert advice on how to provide more culturally appropriate and safe training, standards, and resources.
Establish a Foster Care Quality Working Group to inform the actions under this priority area.
Anticipated Outcome
Changes to foster care services reflect the NWT context and the knowledge and experience of others.
Status Summary
The Child and Family Services system launched a specific working group to inform our response to COVID-19. This working group includes representation from all three authorities, and the Foster Family Coalition of the NWT. The Foster Family Coalition ensures that the voice of foster caregivers is included in the GNWT response to the COVID-19 situation.
Explore options for community agreements with those communities that indicate an interest in considering an increased role in supporting families involved in the CFS system.
Anticipated Outcome
Some communities are playing a direct role in supporting Child and Family Services.
Status Summary
Discussion towards these community agreements will be integrated into partnership meetings with Indigenous communities. At this point in time, no community agreements have been established with the GNWT.
Details
This is ongoing.
Formalize the review process for ongoing updates to the Child and Family Services Standards and Procedures Manual and communication processes.
Anticipated Outcome
The Child and Family Services Standards and Procedure Manual is clear, and reflects leading practices within the NWT context.
Status Summary
The review process was finalized on February 8, 2019.
Implement a clinical supervision model, and train supervisors and managers.
Anticipated Outcome
Child Protection Workers are supported in quality decision making and care planning.
Status Summary
All Supervisors and Managers were trained by December 2018. The model was implemented in January 2019. The NTHSSA also launched online learning modules in June 2019.
Details
This is ongoing.
Implement a consistent approach to managing and supporting foster caregivers by creating specialized foster care caseloads in all regions.
Anticipated Outcome
Focused resources dedicated to Foster Care Services.
Status Summary
The NTHSSA has updated the foster care and adoption worker job descriptions to ensure consistency of program delivery across the NWT. There are dedicated positions in all regions of the NWT.
Details
This is ongoing.
Implement a revised accountability framework to clarify accountability, roles, and responsibilities. Communicate changes to all Staff.
Anticipated Outcome
All Child and Family Services Staff have role clarity.
Status Summary
The revised accountability framework was implemented in January 2019. Communication about the revised accountability framework occurred at different meetings and events, such as the All Child and Family Services Staff Meeting, Manager and Supervisor Forum, and Statutory Director’s Forum.
Implement an anonymous Child and Family Services Staff Suggestion Box and a mechanism to address suggestions.
Anticipated Outcome
The Child and Family Services System is continuously improved upon based on knowledge and experience of others.
Status Summary
The anonymous Suggestion Box was initiated in September 2018. The Suggestion Box continues to be monitored and responded to.
Details
This is ongoing.
Implement quality assurance processes for Matrix NT.
Anticipated Outcome
Reliable data is being generated through Matrix NT to support monitoring, accountability and decision making.
Status Summary
Routine quality assurance checks are being completed with Matrix NT. This work is ongoing.
Implement strategies to grow the Northern Child and Family Services workforce at all levels of the organizations.
Anticipated Outcome
The Child and Family Services System has an increased northern workforce.
Status Summary
There are specific strategies in the human resources recruitment and retention plan aimed at increasing the Northern Child and Family Services workforce. For example, position in the Child and Family Services system are being re-leveled to ensure that there are several entry points into working for CFS, with a variety of educational and experience requirements assigned accordingly.
In efforts to ensure strategic hiring of local staff, we have limited most family preservation competitions to candidates from a specific region or community.
Details
This is ongoing.
Implement the new guardianship standard.
Anticipated Outcome
Staff have better clarity on the screening requirements and supports to provide to guardians taking on these responsibilities.
Status Summary
The standard was implemented in November 2018.
Implement the remaining two SDM® Assessment Tools (Risk Reassessment and Reunification).
Anticipated Outcome
Child Protection Workers are using reliable assessment tools to inform their practice.
Status Summary
The Department entered into a renewed contract in October 2018, which includes the development and implementation of the remaining SDM® Assessment Tools. Work is underway to customize the tools for the NWT.
Details
To be completed by March 2021.
Improve communication and partnerships with Indigenous communities to support and care for children and families in their communities.
Anticipated Outcome
A partnership is fostered between Indigenous Communities and the Child and Family Services System.
Status Summary
The federal government’s An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families came into force on January 1st, 2020. Indigenous governments and organizations can enact their own child and family services laws for their citizens. In January 2020, the Minister wrote to Indigenous governments in the NWT offering an ongoing, open dialogue, not just about the federal Act, but on ways to strengthen our partnerships for the best interest of children.
Details
This is ongoing.
Improve the human resource capacity to meet the needs of children, youth and families accessing services under the Child and Family Services Act.
Anticipated Outcome
The Child and Family Services System has increased capacity to deliver quality services to children, youth and families. Ongoing assessments of human resource needs will be conducted, and if required, the Department will follow the business planning cycle to request additional resources.
Status Summary
In April 2019 and June 2020, a total investment of $6.97 million was approved to add 41 new positions to support Child and Family Services. The June 2020 investment also includes increased funding to support training, and funding to implement youth in care network(s) in the NWT.
Details
This is ongoing.
Initiate a supervisory on-call model.
Anticipated Outcome
Child Protection Workers have consistent access to practice advice after hours.
Status Summary
The NTHSSA implemented a supervisory on-call model in April 2019.
Meet with current and incoming Assistant Directors to identify their individual training needs.
Anticipated Outcome
ADs are supported to fulfill their delegated responsibilities.
Status Summary
Between October and December 2019, information was gathered from Assistant Directors to identify their individual training needs. This will continue on an ongoing basis and will inform the training framework.
Details
This is ongoing.
Monitor implementation of the revised accountability framework, and make adjustments as required.
Anticipated Outcome
All Child and Family Services Staff have role clarity.
Status Summary
Based on lessons learned through implementing the revised accountability framework, the NTHSSA is making changes to its organizational structure so that Child and Family Services can have a greater focus and be brought under one team. This change will allow for better collaboration and more consistent delivery of Child and Family Services across the Territory. This new structure is being rolled out in phases. The accountability framework will be revised to reflect this new organizational structure.
Details
This is ongoing.
Provide contact information of foster caregivers to the FFC-NWT.
Anticipated Outcome
Foster caregivers are connected to FFC-NWT resources.
Status Summary
In April 2019, a directive was sent to all staff to clarify the requirement of sending contact information of foster caregivers to the FFC-NWT. The Foster Home Agreement includes a section for approving the provision of foster caregiver contact information to the FFC-NWT. With consent, contact information of foster caregivers is being provided regularly to the FFC-NWT. The list of foster caregivers was shared with FFC-NWT in July and November 2019. Reporting will be ongoing to the FFC-NWT.
Details
This is ongoing.
Provide enhanced training and support to Child and Family Services Staff in delivering foster care services.
Anticipated Outcome
Child Protection Workers are provided with the necessary training to provide services according to the standards.
Status Summary
The Child Protection Worker Statutory Core Training was revised to highlight keys issues around foster care from the internal audit. In March 2020, we offered training to a number of foster caregivers and foster care staff from across the NWT on how to support children and youth with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder. Statutory training for workers responsible for Adoption and Foster Care was scheduled to be piloted in May 2020. However, this training had to be put on hold due to the COVID-19 situation.
Details
March 2020 and Ongoing.
Provide enhanced training and support to all NWT foster caregivers, in collaboration with the Foster Family Coalition of the Northwest Territories.
Anticipated Outcome
Children placed in foster homes are better supported by the foster caregivers.
Foster caregivers are better prepared to foster children.
Status Summary
In March 2020, we offered training to a number of foster caregivers and foster care staff from across the NWT on how to support children and youth with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder.
At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, we worked with the Foster Family Coalition of the NWT to complete an outreach with the foster caregivers to understand and respond to their needs. During the COVID-19 situation, support is being provided foster caregivers in a number of ways. For example, in partnership with the Foster Family Coalition, we have established respite services for foster caregivers to support them during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Foster Family Coalition has also launched a virtual support group for NWT foster caregivers, which is held twice a week.
Details
March 2020 and Ongoing.
Provide equitable supports for foster children that build on their resilience, personal interests and strengths.
Anticipated Outcome
All foster children have access to equitable supports across the NWT.
Status Summary
The standard was finalized in March 2019 and Department is working towards implementation.
As part of our response to COVID-19, we have worked with the Foster Family Coalition to distribute information, resources, activity kits and child and teen COVID-19 booklets to help foster caregivers and children in their homes during these challenging times.
Details
This is ongoing.
Provide ongoing cultural safety training to staff.
Anticipated Outcome
Child and Family Services are provided with training around cultural safety and respect.
Status Summary
Managers and Supervisors, and some other CFS Staff participated in the HSS system cultural competency pilot training (January 2019).
As part of the enhanced Child and Protection Worker Statutory Core Training, a full day of on-the-land learning experiences was delivered in partnership with the Arctic Indigenous Wellness Foundation (June 2019).
Details
This is ongoing.
Provide ongoing opportunities for training to CFS staff on interviewing skills.
Anticipated Outcome
Child and Family Services Staff have increased knowledge and confidence in conducting interviews.
Status Summary
Pilot training with 15 staff was completed in April 2019. Findings from the pilot have been integrated into the enhanced Child Protection Worker Statutory Core Training. Tools, such as videos, have been developed and made available to regions across the NWT so that they can further their interviewing skills.
Details
This is ongoing.
Provide ongoing support to Assistant Directors.
Anticipated Outcome
ADs are supported to fulfill their delegated responsibilities.
Status Summary
Supported is provided to the Assistant Directors through the Statutory Director’s Forum and on an as-needed basis.
Provide orientation to Indigenous community leadership bodies on the Child and Family Services program.
Anticipated Outcome
Community leaders have a basic understanding of how the Child and family system works and their opportunities to support families.
Status Summary
A preliminary orientation was provided to Indigenous Government Leaders at an in-person meeting on May 1, 2019. Additional orientation opportunities are being explored.
Details
This is ongoing.
Provide specialized training for incoming Assistant Directors.
Anticipated Outcome
Assistant Directors (AD) are supported to fulfill their delegated responsibilities.
Status Summary
Incoming and current Assistant Directors participated in a two day specialized training event in November 2018. The Child Protection Worker Statutory Core Training was also offered to all Assistant Directors.
Provide training to current and new staff on Matrix NT.
Anticipated Outcome
Child and Family Services Staff are using Matrix NT consistently and are entering data correctly.
Status Summary
Refresher training was delivered to the Sahtu and Beaufort-Delta Regions of the NTHSSA in April 2019. The enhanced Child Protection Worker Core Statutory Training includes an increased focus on Matrix NT. The Matrix NT support staff, and Training and Practice Improvement Leads are also providing one-on-one support and training on an as needed basis.
As part of our COVID-19 response, we have developed virtual Matrix NT learning demonstration sessions and “how to” and handouts.
Re-Establish the Statutory Director’s Forum
Anticipated Outcome
Assistant Directors are supported to fulfill their delegated responsibilities.
Status Summary
The Assistant Directors have consistently met with the Statutory Director and Deputy Directors since May 2018.
Restructure the OOT Specialized Services Program and determine the required human resources to effectively deliver it.
Anticipated Outcome
Children, youth and families have access to quality services through the OOT Specialized Services Program.
Status Summary
This was completed in April 2019.
Review the OOT Specialized Services Program to determine opportunities to better support these children and youth in the NWT. If required, modify NWT program and services to better support the needs of children and youth, and their families.
Anticipated Outcome
Opportunities on how to better meet the needs of children and youth placed in the OOT are defined.
Status Summary
The review was completed in April 2019.
Revise key OOT Standards to reflect the program redesign.
Anticipated Outcome
OOT Standards are clear, and reflect leading practices within the NWT context.
Status Summary
The standard was implemented in March 2019.
Revise key standards to include enhanced permanency planning tools.
Anticipated Outcome
Permanency planning standards are clear, measurable, and culturally appropriate.
Status Summary
The permanency and cultural planning standard, tool and form were implemented in March 2019.
Details
This was completed in March 2019.
Streamline access to mental wellness supports for children, youth and families.
Anticipated Outcome
Children, youth and families have improved access to mental wellness services under the Child and Family Services Act.
Status Summary
The Department is in the process of rolling out the Child Youth Care Counselor initiative. Through this initiative, children, youth, and families will have increased access to mental wellness support and services. This action aligns with the Child and Youth Mental Wellness Action Plan, which identifies the development of seamless care pathways to support children and youth. The Seamless Care Pathway model is a collaborative approach where a variety of mental health and wellness services are matched to the needs of the individual. Child and Family Services staff have been offered training to provide referrals to the Strongest Families Institute.
In collaboration with the Foster Family Coalition, we also developed child and teen COVID-19 booklets to support their understanding and coping during the pandemic.
Details
This is ongoing.
Support the implementation of the Federal Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families by enhancing Standards of practice related to working with Indigenous children, youth and families
Anticipated Outcome
As a result of increased collaboration and engagement with Indigenous communities, the Child and Family Services system will be guided on how best to respect and preserve the identity and sense of belonging for Indigenous children and youth.
Status Summary
We are working with the Division of Policy, Legislation and Communication along with the Departments of Justice and Executive and Indigenous Affairs to draft standards that will guide the field related to the Federal Act. The standards are anticipated to be completed in December 2020.
Details
Ongoing
Update contact standards to reflect leading practices.
Anticipated Outcome
Children are better supported based on their needs.
Status Summary
The minimum contact standard, tool and form were introduced to the system on November 1, 2019.
Update documentation standards to reflect Matrix NT and leading practices.
Anticipated Outcome
Documentation standards are clear, and reflect leading practices within the NWT context.
Status Summary
The documentation standards were implemented in October 2020.
Update incident reporting standards to reflect new accountability structure and leading practices.
Anticipated Outcome
Incident reporting standards are clear, and reflect leading practices within the NWT context.
Status Summary
The Serious Occurrence standard, tool and form were introduced to the system on March 3, 2020. The form was amended to include situations related COVID-19 so that we can track the impact of this pandemic on children and youth receiving services.
Work with the Legislative Assembly or one if its committees to commence a comprehensive review of the provisions and operation of the Act.
Anticipated Outcome
The Child and Family Services System is continuously improved upon based on quality assurance processes.
Status Summary
The Department is tracking suggested Legislative Amendments, and will work with the Legislative Committee once they commence this work.
Details
To be reviewed every five years.