Native Child and Family Services Program will prepare graduates to work in a challenging, and dynamic environment reflecting the demands and changing trends in Aboriginal communities and Nations. The new 2-year program is congruent with individual family and community needs and current legislation. Graduates will continue to be exposed to a holistic approach to learning and human service training.
Graduates will take to their employment a respect for, connection with, and understanding of traditions, values and beliefs of the community. They will be prepared to work in an intercultural, multilingual society where they can use all of their acquired knowledge, skills and experience to support families in the field of Child Welfare.
- To educate individuals whose primary job interest is to work with Aboriginal children, youth, families and communities, particularly in the field of Aboriginal child welfare
- Blends social service methods of best practice with Aboriginal approaches to provide graduates with a rich base from which to contribute to the development of healthy Aboriginal families and communities
- Field of child welfare is in a period of significant change and undergoing the major challenge of complying with the Ministry of Children's and Youth Services
- Integration of academic knowledge and Aboriginal culture - knowledge and understanding adds uniqueness
- Graduates are prepared to work in intercultural, multilingual society where they use all their acquired knowledge, skills and attitudes to serve at risk children and families.
- Graduates through their life experiences and the skills taught in the program, will be equipped to facilitate community engagement and provide modern services based on Aboriginal practices and community decision making
Employment Opportunities:
Graduates are able to fill employment opportunities with
Aboriginal agencies, provincially funded agencies and federally-funded programs.
Graduates will also continue to prepare for and accept their positions as positive role models. This includes a demonstration of respect for, connection with and understanding of traditions, values and beliefs of the community. They will be prepared to work in an intercultural, multilingual society where they can use all of their acquired knowledge, skills and experience to support families.
Graduates will be guided in their educational experience by ethical principles that have underpinned the Native Child and Family Services Program. Commitment to children and families is paramount; health and wellness a goal for all Nations.
Admission Requirements:
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (or equivalent) with courses from the College (C), University (U), University/College (U/C), or Open (O) preparation levels.
- or successful completion of the Mature Student Assessment.
- or appropriate credits from Academic and Career Entrance (ACE).
Additional Courses Required: Grade 12 College or University Preparation English.
Applicants not meeting these admission requirements are encouraged to consider the College Access or General Arts and Science Certificate or Diploma programs; students who successfully complete one of these programs would be eligible to apply to programs in the Community Services area.
Other Requirements:
Students are also encouraged to acquire:
1. Criminal Reference Check
- A recent Criminal Reference Check will be required prior to the start of field placement. All costs associated with police checks, testing and proof of certificate are the responsibility of the student. The check is used by employers in this field as a screening requirement of field placement and employment. A criminal record may prevent you from participating in field placement experiences, thus preventing you from completing program requirements. Some agencies also require students to complete a Child Welfare Prior Involvement Check and a Vulnerable Persons Check.
2. Standard First Aid, Infant/Child CPR Certificate
- First Aid and CPR Certificates are also required prior to the start of field placement.
Program Continuation Criteria:
Students must achieve an overall Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 to continue in from semester to semester.
1450 Nakina Drive, P.O. Box 398, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada P7C 4W1 [ 
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