Program Components

The Mi’kmaq Family PRIDE Program has the following six components:

Designated Band Representative: A Designated Representative is an individual named by the Band to represent the Band’s interest in child protection proceedings, or hearings involving a child who is a member of the Band or an Aboriginal child as defined in Section 1 of the Child Protection Act. The Designated Representative for Lennox Island and Abegweit First Nations is the Coordinator of the Mi’kmaq Family PRIDE Program.

Liaison Services: Liaison services provide a link between provincial child protection authorities and the Lennox Island and Abegweit First Nations. Liaison services are also available to children and parents who request assistance in finding and accessing helpful resources.

In-home Support: The PRIDE program believes that a strength based philosophy is essential when helping families. Family Support Services Workers provide in-home support services to children and families who are self-referring and/or who may be identified by internal or external service agencies.

Outreach Services: Outreach services are provided to children in care who are members of the Lennox Island and Abegweit First Nations.

Community Education and Awareness: The Mi’kmaq Family PRIDE staff develop and deliver a variety of community education and awareness initiatives which focus on individual and collective responsibility in protecting children, promoting positive parenting, enhancing family health and wellness, and the prevention of child maltreatment.

Foster Home Recruitment: The Mi’kmaq Family PRIDE staff work collaboratively with provincial foster care resource personnel to recruit and retain aboriginal foster parents.

The Mi’kmaq Family PRIDE program will fulfill its mandate through the provision of community-based preventative, supportive and awareness programs and services within the Lennox Island and Abegweit First Nations. Some of the services to be included are:

• family and community support networks;
• family group conferencing;
• community awareness;
• in-home family support;
• individual parent support;
• building and supporting linkages to community resources;
• building capacity within the First Nation communities;
• prevention and support services in keeping with traditional and cultural values, and based on the guidance and support of Family Service Advisory Committees consisting of community members, elders and youth

The Family PRIDE Program works in collaboration with many other service providers including Child and Family Services, Community and Correctional Services, Maternal Child Health, NNADAP, Aboriginal Justice Program, Aboriginal Women’s Association, Education and the MCPEI Health Program.