Children’s Services

Native Child and Family Services of Toronto (NCFST) strives to keep children and youth together with their caregivers and families to provide a life of quality, caring and well-being through culturally based services that respect the values and traditions of Aboriginal people. When a child or youth is unable to remain in their home, NCFST will make all efforts to place a child or youth in alternative care while their caregivers continue on their healing journey.

Extended Society Care

When all alternative care pathways have been exhausted, the Courts may decide that a child must be placed with a Child and Family Well-being Agency under Extended Society Care. NCFST Children’s Services Team has been developed to plan, review and supervise a child’s long-term placement to comply with the standards and regulations of the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services under the Child Youth and Family Services Act (CYFSA) while honouring their Aboriginal heritage through culturally based supports.

Continued Care and Support for Youth

When a youth under Extended Society Care turns 18, they are entitled to enter into a Continued Care and Support for Youth agreement (CCSY) with NCFST. Planning for CCSY begins before the age of 18 and provides a youth with financial, social, cultural and emotional support until their 21st birthday.

Transitioning to adulthood can be difficult, and young adults need support and guidance at this critical time in their lives. Our Children’s Services Workers engage with CCSY youth by helping them realize their own vision for the future as they move towards independence. Youth under CCSY agreements will be supported by their workers to navigate housing, education, and employment while developing their life skills. They will also strengthen and build existing supports and relationships to family, bands, Aboriginal communities and services through regular service planning.

CCSY is a collaborative approach based in an understanding that young adults thrive when connections are continuously nurtured and supported. Working with our Kin Finding Team, NCFST will engage with a young person by maintaining and expanding networks and lifelong connections to their family, band, community or any other person identified as significant in their lives.

Voluntary Youth Service Agreement for 16 and 17 year-olds

On January 1, 2018, NCFST’s mandate was expanded to offer a full range of services to 16 and 17-year-olds who may be in need of protection and support. Through a Voluntary Youth Services Agreement (VYSA) our Child and Family Well-being Workers Children’s Services Workers will build safety and permanency through semi-independent or alternative care arrangements. A 16 or 17 year old youth is not required to have the consent of their caregivers to access these services and will be assisted through the process by legal counsel through the Office of the Children’s Lawyer. VYSA youth are entitled to a full range of services and resources offered through NCFST. They are eligible to enter into CCSY agreements when they turn 18 and will continue to engage with their Children’s Services Worker as they transition towards independence and adulthood.