Band Representatives are the Nation’s culturally-grounded advocates and legal representatives for Chippewas of the Thames children, youth and families who are involved with the child welfare system. Our Band Representatives work to keep children connected to family, culture and community, and to reduce interactions with provincial child welfare systems by providing strengths-based, trauma-aware supports and legal advocacy on behalf of our members.
What we do
- Legal advocacy & representation — We provide culturally aligned legal advocacy and represent the Nation’s children at all stages of child welfare intervention, including meetings with children’s aid societies and court proceedings. Band Representatives keep CYFWBS and Chief & Council informed of court outcomes and provide timely written updates.
- Family support & advocacy — We support families to address the circumstances that put children at risk, working to prevent removals and to promote safe reunification where removal has occurred.
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In-home supports & case coordination — Band Representatives coordinate in-home supports, link families to services, and help families navigate multiple systems (health, school, provincial agencies).
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Customary & kinship care support — We identify, support and maintain kinship and customary care placements so that children remain with extended family and within Anishinaabe culture whenever possible. The program currently oversees a number of kinship/customary homes and supports caregivers with culturally-appropriate resources and financial arrangements.
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Prevention & cultural connection — Band Representatives work with CYFWBS’s prevention and youth programs to strengthen parenting skills, support cultural identity, and reduce the need for more intrusive child welfare interventions.
Who can access this service
Band Representative Services are provided by CYFWBS for Chippewas of the Thames members — both on- and off-reserve. The program serves children, youth and families who are at risk, involved with child welfare services, or who require advocacy.
How the service works
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Referral or intake: Families may be referred by CYFWBS staff, other departments, or external agencies.
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Assessment & planning: A Band Representative will meet with the family to assess needs, explain rights and options, and prepare a culturally informed support plan.
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Advocacy & coordination: We attend meetings with child welfare agencies, school and health providers, and represent the Nation in legal or court settings as needed. Band Representatives provide written updates to the CYFWBS Director following court proceedings.
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Placement & caregiver support: If out-of-home care is required, Band Representatives prioritize kinship or customary placements and provide supports to caregivers (including financial supports where applicable).
What families can expect
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A strengths-based, culturally safe approach that centers Anishinaabe values and family connections.
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Support navigating provincial and community systems, clear communication about next steps, and advocacy focused on keeping children with family whenever it is safe and possible.
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Timely updates and coordination with CYFWBS staff to ensure continuity of care and connection to prevention or post-majority supports where appropriate.
Team & governance
Band Representative Services are delivered as part of the CYFWBS department under the Director of Child, Youth & Family Well-Being Services. The department has strengthened Band Representative capacity in recent years to improve culturally-aligned legal advocacy for children in care. For staffing and contact details, see our departmental listings.