Research Policy Principles
Native Child and Family Services Toronto (NCFST) supports culture-based, evidence-based research to gain insights and improve service and program outcomes for the communities we serve. NCFST prioritizes evidence-based research by Indigenous researchers that is endorsed by a recognized research institution through approval from their Research Ethics Board. We prioritize projects that are relational and provide flexible support and after care for participants.
Any research carried out at NCFST will be a consensual agreement between the researcher and community. Research projects will align with the NCFST mission statement of creating a service model that is culture-based and respects the values of Native peoples, the extended family, and the right to self-determination. The Research Committee reviews proposals on a 1-3 month cycle. If you have a research proposal ready, please complete this form and email the proposal to [email protected]
NCFST Position Principles on Research
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Assessing the research question: NCFST supports research that we believe the community and staff will benefit.
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Service improvement: Research must be oriented first and foremost toward improving service. We prioritize projects that are organized to support Service workers and clients.
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Empowerment and self-determination: The research must lead to community self-determination and personal empowerment. We prioritize projects that are Indigenous-led and embedded in Indigenous scholarship. NCFST recognizes that the community owns and has access to the research. The community owns the research through the vetting process.
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Vetting process: Proposals will go through a vetting process and will be reviewed by Service, Senior Leadership, Knowledge Carriers, and Community Council before approval. If all entities consent, then the research goes forward. People responsible for promoting research are not involved in research ethics oversight.
The Research Approval Process: a three-month timeline
