The importance of permanency planning from the Indigenous child welfare survivors’ perspective
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Date
2024-01-03
Authors
Duhamel, Nicole
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Abstract
Child welfare agencies in Manitoba are facing critical challenges with the ongoing adverse outcomes for Indigenous children under their care. Addressing this issue, a comprehensive qualitative study was conducted, incorporating two Indigenous methodologies, the Talking Circle and The Visiting Way, to provide a culturally relevant and insightful perspective. This research aimed to rigorously evaluate the impact of permanent placement options on the well-being of Indigenous children. It sought to determine if these placements significantly improved outcomes and overall well-being, as experienced and reported by those navigating the child welfare system. The study's findings are pivotal in understanding and enhancing the care strategies for Indigenous children in Manitoba.
Significantly, the Talking Circle method, a cornerstone of this research, unexpectedly fell short in its effectiveness for data collection. Despite this, the study revealed critical insights. Participants consistently reported profound difficulties stemming from frequent transitions between various living environments within the foster care system. This constant movement severely undermined their sense of stability and predictability. Most notably, these unstable conditions had a profoundly adverse impact on the mental health and overall well-being of the participants, highlighting a crucial area for urgent intervention in the child welfare system.
This research unequivocally demonstrates that the lack of a stable, long-term home environment is crucial to participants' hardships. A consistent and secure living situation is not merely beneficial but crucial for fostering a sense of safety, belonging, and overall well-being among these individuals, as evidenced by the study's findings. Therefore, integrating these insights into policy and practice is imperative for transforming Manitoba’s Child Welfare system, particularly to enhance the outcomes for Indigenous children under its care. The paper culminates in a detailed analysis of these findings and proposes strategic directions for future research, underscoring the urgent need for systemic change.
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Children in Care