4.26 Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, in cooperation with provinces and First Nations agencies, should:

* define what is meant by services that are reasonably comparable,

* define its expectations for culturally appropriate services and standards, and implement this definition and these expectations into the program. (4.17–4.25)

INAC to ensure that its authorities reflect reasonably comparable and culturally appropriate services

In addition, INAC will develop a principle based on historical and provincial/FN understanding of what is deemed as culturally appropriate services. 

INAC to ensure that the principle is reflected in Tripartite Frameworks developed under the Enhanced Prevention Focused Approach.

INAC to ensure that the principle is communicated to Regional Offices, First Nations and Provinces (i.e. updating the FNCFS Program Manual)

01/04/2007

Ongoing

30/06/2010

Status: Completed

Update/Rationale as of 31/03/2009:

INAC updated its authorities for the Child and Family Services program in April 2007.  The update included a broader and more culturally appropriate range of placement options, including kinship care (care provided by extended family members), post adoption subsidies (monthly payments to the adoptive parents) and supports (including counselling services and special needs support for children with disabilities) to encourage permanent placement for children.

____________________________________

Update/Rationale as of 30/09/2009:

The principle on culturally appropriate services was developed and submitted as part of the government’s response to the recommendations of the Public Accounts Committee. Frameworks and business plans being developed continue to include culturally appropriate services.

Status: In progress

Update/Rationale as of 31/03/2009:

INAC will develop a principle on culturally appropriate services as a specific definition would depend on the interpretation of various First Nations, based upon their specific and unique community circumstances and needs.  Specific culturally appropriate services are included in both the framework documents and the business plans which form the basis of the Enhanced Prevention Focused Approach in the transitioned regions.  INAC will provide the principle in its response to the recommendations of the Public Accounts Committee by July 2009.

______________________________________

Update/Rationale as of 30/09/2009:

The tripartite frameworks in Quebec and Prince Edward Island clearly describe expectations on culturally appropriate services as well as reasonable comparability to provincial services.

Status: In progress

Update/Rationale as of 31/03/2009:

The tripartite frameworks in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Nova Scotia clearly describe expectations on culturally appropriate services as well as reasonable comparability to provincial services.

_____________________________________

Update/Rationale as of 31/09/2009:

The principle will be included in the revised and updated National FNCFS Manual for which the anticipated completion date is June 30, 2010.

Status: In progress

Update/Rationale as of 31/03/2009:

Once the principle on culturally appropriate services is developed, it will be communicated to Regional Offices, First Nations, and Provinces.

4.32 Indian and Northern Affairs Canada should ensure that it has up-to-date agreements with the provinces and with First Nations agencies in place. As a minimum, these agreements should consistently define who is responsible for providing the child welfare services required under provincial legislation, and what services will be provided. (4.27–4.31)

INAC to ensure that agreements with FNCFS agencies include requirements for Business Plans, or Work Plans as appropriate (whether they are under Enhanced Prevention Focused Approach or still need to transition), that clearly outline roles, responsibility for providing child welfare services required under provincial legislation, and services provided. 

INAC to ensure that Work Plan and Business Plan reporting formats are incorporated into the 2008-2009 First Nations National Reporting Guide that is utilized by INAC to guide First Nations recipients on reporting.

   31/03/2010

Update/Rationale as of 31/09/2009:

Quebec and Prince Edward Island are now parties to tripartite accountability frameworks. Nova Scotia now has a signed tripartite agreement. FNCFS programs who are not yet delivering the Enhanced Prevention Focused Approach are required to submit Work Plans for fiscal year funding in 2010/11.

Status:  In progress

Update/Rationale as of 31/03/2009:

Alberta, Nova Scotia and Saskatchewan, are already party to tripartite accountability frameworks with Provinces and INAC which require Business Plans to access the Enhanced Prevention funding.  In addition to tripartite framework, the FNCFS agency in Nova Scotia has a funding agreement with the province as do the agencies in New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Prince Edward Island, and Yukon who also have agreements with their respective province/territory that outline the respective roles and responsibilities of the parties.  We will work with the remaining provinces to develop similar agreements that specify roles and responsibilities.

Agencies who are not yet delivering the Enhanced Prevention Focused approach have begun developing Work Plans as recommended for fiscal year 2009/10 and will be required to submit Work Plans for fiscal year funding in 2010/11.

Update/Rationale as of 31/03/2009:

2010-2011 Reporting Guide has been updated for the fiscal year 2010/11.

Status:  In Progress

Update/Rationale as of 31/03/2009:

The National Reporting Guide was updated in March 2008.

4.37 When negotiating agreements with each province, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada should, in consultation with First Nations, seek assurance that provincial legislation is being met. INAC should also analyze the information obtained and follow-up when necessary. (4.33–4.36)

INAC to work with provinces to ensure that Agencies meet provincial legislation. 

INAC to ensure that compliance reviews are conducted on a regular basis, and as needed. 

INAC to support Tripartite Tables that discuss issues within each province and explore areas for collaboration including the establishment of new enhanced prevention frameworks. 

INAC to coordinate a schedule for annual FNCFS agency self-evaluations to assess agency effectiveness including meeting provincial standards, on a three-year cycle

INAC to ensure that the self-evaluations are conducted and results consolidated into a 3-year final report. 

Ongoing

31/03/10

Ongoing

Completed

31/03/2010

Update/Rationale as of 30/09/2009:

INAC is working with provinces on a province-by-province basis to ensure First Nation CFS programs meet provincial legislation, including current work in Manitoba and New Brunswick.

Status:  Ongoing

Update/Rationale as of 31/03/2009:

INAC has intervened with Agencies when provinces have indicated areas for improvement.  For example, INAC and the Government of Manitoba are co-funding an audit of a specific Agency in the Province of Manitoba.

In the Atlantic Region, funding has been withdrawn from one First Nation and redirected to the Province as protection staff did not meet provincial standards and therefore the Department’s authorities. Since that time, the Province has provided additional oversight and resources to the First Nation.

Update/Rationale as of 30/09/2009:

An additional $500k was provided to strengthen compliance activities in 5 regions in 2009-2010.  Upon completion of the compliance activities, regions will report on their progress as per the approved work plans.

Status:  In Progress

Update/Rationale as of 31/03/2009:

All FNCFS agencies are required to meet provincial standards.  INAC regions have conducted 27 compliance reviews in fiscal year 2008/09.

______________________________________________

Update/Rationale as of 30/09/2009:

INAC continues to provide funding to support tripartite tables in all jurisdictions.

Status:  In Progress

Update/Rationale as of 31/03/2009:

INAC has been heavily involved in Tripartite tables throughout the transition of the FNCFS program to an Enhanced Prevention Focused Approach.  This is an ongoing exercise.

________________________________________

Status:  Completed

Update/Rationale as of 31/03/2009:

A schedule for annual FNCFS agency self-evaluations to assess agency effectiveness, on a three-year cycle, was developed with regions in 2007-2008 and funding for the first year of evaluations was transferred to regions in 2007-2008. 
Funding for agency evaluations is now included in regional allocations as of 2009-10.  

_________________________________________

Update/Rationale as of 30/09/2009:

Self-evaluations have been received from six of the seven jurisdictions and are being reviewed. Work will begin on the 3-year final report upon completion of the review of the individual reports.

Status: In progress

Update/Rationale as of 31/03/2009:

21 evaluations are in progress and reports are expected by end of summer 2009. Based on an analysis of the agency self-evaluations, INAC will initiate discussions with provinces and territories to work on individual agency deficiencies and share best practices beginning in September 2009.  INAC is exploring opportunities with provinces for joint reviews and is working with provinces to address deficiencies that may be identified in provincial program reviews. 

4.42 Indian and Northern Affairs Canada should resolve the fundamental differences with Health Canada related to their respective funding responsibilities for services to First Nations children in care. (4.38–4.41)

INAC to meet on a regular basis with Health Canada officials to clarify responsibilities and funding for First Nations on reserve children in care, and to develop a federal response on Jordan’s Principle.

INAC to identify key contacts (focal points) in regional offices of INAC and Health Canada to identify and address emerging issues related to jurisdictional responsibility for services required by a child with multiple disabilities.

INAC to work with Health Canada to develop a Memorandum of Understanding.

INAC and Health Canada to work to resolve funding and eligibility issues regarding the Non-Insured Health Benefits Program (run out of Health Canada).

Ongoing

Ongoing

Completed

Update/Rationale as of 30/09/2009:

HC and INAC meet on a regular basis to discuss implementation of Jordan’s Principle. HC has clarified their approach to NIHB coverage of medical expenses for children in care who are ordinarily resident on reserve and are now accepting responsibility for coverage of all eligible children.

Status:  In Progress

Update/Rationale as of 31/03/2009:

INAC and HC have met on numerous occasions over the course of fiscal year 2008/09 and have developed a federal response based on a child-first approach which will address funding issues. 

(Audit Committee Comment: * Letters were sent by Ministers Strahl (INAC) and Clement (Health Canada) in May 2008 outlining the federal response – a “child-first” approach – and inviting provinces to work collaboratively on implementation)

_______________________________

Update/Rationale as of 31/09/2009:

Regional focal points will meet again in mid-October 2009.

Status: Ongoing

Update/Rationale as of 31/03/2009:

Regional focal points have been identified by both INAC and Health Canada and meet regularly to discuss areas requiring clarification.  INAC/Health Canada focal point meetings took place in September 2008 and February 2009. These meetings provided for a better understanding of federal responsibilities and an update on activities in other jurisdictions.  Health Canada obtained approval on an approach to address provincially disputed items in March 2009.

_______________________________________________

Update/Rationale as of 30/09/2009:

An MOU was signed between HC and INAC in May 2009.

Update/Rationale as of 31/03/2009:

An MOU will be signed by senior management within INAC and Health Canada in May 2009.

________________________________________________

Status: Completed

Update/Rationale as of 31/03/2009:

Health Canada will be covering eligible expenses under the Non-Insured Health Benefits Program for eligible children in care of FNCFS Agencies.

4.47 Indian and Northern Affairs Canada should examine the human resources requirements for this program and allocate sufficient resources to meet these requirements. (4.44–4.46)

INAC to conduct a Human Resources Requirements Review for the Program

INAC to assess feasibility of reallocate resources within the Department on an interim basis, and developing a process for reallocation to reinforce compliance efforts and to provide performance information. 

Completed

31/12/09

Status:  Completed

Update/Rationale as of 31/03/2009:

INAC has reviewed its human resource requirements.

_________________________________________

Update/Rationale as of 30/09/2009:

The feasibility of reallocating resources on an ongoing basis is being considered.

Status:  In progress

Update/Rationale as of 31/03/2009:

INAC has reallocated resources within the Department on an interim basis and a process for reallocation to reinforce compliance efforts and to provide performance information is in place.

4.67 Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, in consultation with First Nations and provinces, should ensure that its new funding formula and approach to funding First Nations agencies are directly linked with provincial legislation and standards, reflect the current range of child welfare services, and take into account the varying populations and needs of First Nations communities for which it funds on-reserve child welfare services. (4.48–4.66

INAC to ensure that transition work towards the Enhanced Prevention focussed approach include the requirements as outlined in the OAG recommendations. 

The new costing model is developed after reviewing the respective provincial program, salaries and case loads to determine provincial comparability within the FNCFS program authorities.

INAC to ensure that once funding is obtained, Business Plans are developed by Agencies clearly outlining provincial comparability, culturally appropriateness and how the needs of the community will be met.

INAC continues to work with ready and willing partners to transition the First Nations Child and Family Services Program. 

31/03/13

Ongoing

31/03/13

Update/Rationale as of 30/09/2009: Canada’s Economic Action Plan announced a further $20 million over two years to implement the enhanced prevention-focused approach. This transition is underway in Prince Edward Island and Quebec. Work continues in the outstanding jurisdictions to develop tripartite enhanced prevention frameworks.

Status:  Ongoing

Update/Rationale as of 31/03/2009:

INAC requires the development of tripartite enhanced prevention frameworks and new costing methodologies in partnership with provinces and First Nations.  The frameworks outline the reasonably comparable and culturally appropriate services that are to be provided over a five year period. 

INAC is providing $98.1 Million over 5 years to implement this new approach in Alberta beginning in 2007/08 and all Agencies opted into the approach before March 31, 2008.  In July 2008, tripartite frameworks were reached between the Government of Canada and the Provinces of Nova Scotia and Saskatchewan and First Nations in those provinces to implement the enhanced prevention-focused approach.  INAC invested an additional $10.2 million over five years in Nova Scotia and $104.8 million over five years in Saskatchewan for First Nation agencies serving on reserve children. 

_______________________________________________

Update/Rationale as of 30/09/2009:

Development of comprehensive Business Plans are underway in Quebec and Prince Edward Island and will be completed in the fiscal year.

Status:  Ongoing

Update/Rationale as of 31/03/2009:

In Alberta, five-year Business Plans were developed in all 18 Agencies before the end of March 2008.

In Nova Scotia, a five-year Business Plan was developed before the end of March 2009. 

In Saskatchewan , five-year Business Plans have been developed by 13 out of 18 agencies that were ready to opt-in in 2008-09.  Region will continue to work with the 5 remaining agencies to finalize Business Plans in fiscal year 2009-10.

________________________________________________

Update/Rationale as of 30/09/2009:

INAC is continuing the work with outstanding jurisdictions on transitioning to the new approach

Status:  Ongoing

Update/Rationale as of 31/03/2009:

It is anticipated that most, if not all jurisdictions will have moved to the prevention-focused approach on-reserve by 2012-13.

4.74 Indian and Northern Affairs Canada should determine the full costs of meeting the policy requirements of the First Nations Child and Family Services Program. It should periodically review the program's budget to ensure that it continues to meet program requirements and to minimize the program's financial impact on other departmental programs. (4.68–4.73)

INAC to review its cost estimate for delivering the program on a regular basis both regionally and nationally and to incorporate updates into any business case. 

Quarterly

Update/Rationale as of 30/09/2009:

INAC continues to work on business cases that include the full cost of meeting business requirements.

Status:  Ongoing

Update/Rationale as of 31/03/2009:

INAC has consistently assessed funding requirements as it has transitioned the FNCFS program to the Enhanced Prevention Focused Approach.  Each request for policy and funding authority has included updated business cases.

INAC will continue to review on an annual basis and seek sources of additional resources to minimize the financial impact on other departmental programs.

4.82 Indian and Northern Affairs Canada should carry out the on-site compliance reviews required under the First Nations Child and Family Services Program. It should also ensure that its British Columbia region complies with Treasury Board authority. (4.75–4.81)

INAC to increase its compliance activities beginning in 2008-09 and ongoing.

INAC to ensure that prior to entering into the enhanced prevention focused approach FNCFS agencies have undergone recent compliance activity.

INAC to determine best practices on compliance, including ensuring participation by Headquarters officials in regional compliance reviews to better inform the revisions to the directive. 

INAC’s British Columbia Region to develop an action plan to better comply with program authorities with an orderly transition that will not undermine FNCFS services for First Nations children.

Ongoing

31/03/13

31/03/10

31/03/10

Update/Rationale as of 30/09/2009:

An additional $500k was provided to strengthen compliance activity in 5 regions in 2009-2010 and the approved activities are being supported and monitored by HQ.

Status:  Ongoing

Update/Rationale as of 31/03/2009:

INAC regions have conducted 27 compliance reviews in fiscal year 2008/09.

Update/Rationale as of 30/09/2009:

Compliance reviews will be completed by PEI and Quebec as part of the transition process to the Enhanced Prevention Focussed Approach.

Status:  Ongoing/31/03/13

Update/Rationale as of 31/03/2009:

This practice is in place in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Nova Scotia; and will be in place in the next provinces to move to the Enhanced Prevention Focused Approach.

Update/Rationale as of 30/09/2009:

INAC HQ will be working with Alberta and Saskatchewan on a management control framework that will include reviewing practices for compliance within the new approach. HQ continues to provide support to regular ongoing regional compliance activities and quarterly monitoring of enhanced compliance activities in those regions funded for additional compliance resources.

Status:  In progress

Update/Rationale as of 31/03/2009:

The FNCFS compliance directive and approach will be linked to the sector-wide approach which is currently in development, in the larger context of risk management and compliance activities led by Audit and Evaluation Sector.  The revised FNCFS compliance directive to be completed by March 2010.

Update/Rationale as of 30/09/2009:

The Principles supporting the development of a transition plan have been agreed upon by INAC and BC. Regional staff is reviewing best practices of other regions, and an implementation timetable is being developed.

Status:  In progress

(Audit Committee Comment: * A draft plan is currently being developed)

4.91 Indian and Northern Affairs Canada should define the information it needs to manage the program and account for its results, with a particular emphasis on results and outcomes. In cooperation with First Nations and provinces, INAC should develop performance indicators, define the information required, collect the information, and ensure its qulity. (4.83–4.90)

INAC to develop performance indicators for the FNCFS program.

INAC to validate the performance indicators with key stakeholders (Regional Offices, First Nations)

INAC to develop a national FNCFS Information system intended to capture both quantitative and qualitative data that would demonstrate program outcomes.

31/03/2008

31/03/2010

28/02/2010

Status:  Completed

Update/Rationale as of 31/03/2009:

In fiscal year 2007/08, INAC produced a Results-based Management and Accountability Framework that included a Performance Measurement Strategy, which is now being refined.

(Audit Committee Comment: * Performance Measurement Strategies are now required by the
April 1, 2009 Government of Canada Policy on Evaluation and the Transfer Payment Policy of October 2008).

_____________________________________

Update/Rationale as of 30/09/2009:

INAC met with Regional Staff and First Nations representatives in July 2009 to discuss indicator development. The FNCFS Performance Measurement Framework was updated in September 2009. Completion of indicator validation is anticipated for Winter 2010.

Status:  In progress

Update/Rationale as of 31/03/2009:

INAC met with the Regional Offices and conducted a validation exercise of the performance indicators in February 2008.  INAC also initiated discussions with provinces/territories in September 2008 to discuss mutually agreed upon indicator development. 
INAC is planning to meet First Nations representatives to validate the indicators and finalize the process.  The expected date of the meeting is in Spring 2009 with a completed and updated Performance Measurement Strategy in place by the end of September 2009.

_________________________________________________

Update/Rationale as of 31/03/2009:

The Preliminary Project Approval for the IMIT system is targeted for completion early in the New Year, 2010.

Status:  In progress

Update/Rationale as of 31/03/2009:

INAC has begun work on the development of a National FNCFS Information System. The first stage of development requires preparation of the Preliminary Project Approval (PPA) document to identify resource requirements and potential systems. The expected date of completion of the PPA is September 2009.