Poster #77 - Preventing Family Separation: Evaluation of a Systems Navigator Pilot Program

• In Event: Poster Session 11

Abstract

High rates of child apprehension through Child and Family Services (CFS) in Manitoba have emphasized the importance of community-based programs that aim to prevent and minimize family separation. There is high demand for a coordinated systems approach tailored to family specific needs. This study evaluated a wraparound program implemented by a Winnipeg-based community agency, Wolseley Family Place (WFP), that aimed to minimize family separation and support reunification. A qualitative approach was utilized to gauge participant and staff perspectives on the feasibility and acceptability of the WFP WrapAround program, to assess key primary outcomes and guide program improvement efforts. Participants (N = 15) were recruited through WFP from within the community through various methods, such as community outreach and the continuation of pre-existing relationships with families already involved with the organization. Participants were primarily self-identifying as Indigenous (n = 9) and all had current involvement with CFS in various capacities. Multiple focus groups were held with community stakeholders to ensure the WFP WrapAround program was grounded in community values, through the prioritization of culturally safe research methods. Practices included adhering to cultural protocols, and asserting sovereignty and self-governance guided by Indigenous research team leads. Community stakeholders and WFP staff emphasize the importance of meeting families where they are at, and fostering a sense of competency and independence among family participants. Results from participant focus groups highlighted the need for family-centered, sustainable support in navigating multiple systems that are individually tailored to families’ needs. The overall results suggest there was high feasibility and acceptability for the WFP WrapAround program in supporting, validating and advocating for families as they work towards their individual goals. The WFP WrapAround program has the potential to serve as the framework for the creation of a scalable program model for other community agencies and social service programs designed to support families involved with Child and Family Services. Community care is central to this program, where families lacking support are met with a network of care across multiple social service areas that empowers individuals to address their individualized needs. Long-term impacts of the WFP WrapAround program include alignment of the program with national and provincial mandates to reduce the number of Indigenous children in-care and keeping families together.

Key words: Family wellness, family reunification, Indigenous wellness, community, program evaluation

Authors

• Meghan Mollons, University of Manitoba
  Presenting Author

• Sydney Puhach, University of Manitoba

• Shaelyn Stienwandt, University of Manitoba

• Kristen Wiltshire

• Chandel McAuley

• Emma Fineblit

• Leslie E. Roos, University of Manitoba