Mnaasged Child and Family Services is thrilled to announce that the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services has granted us Stage C Designation!

This is a monumental milestone for our organization, reflecting years of hard work, dedication, and advocacy by countless individuals, past and present, who share Mnaasged’s vision for Indigenous-led child and family well-being.

"This is such a huge milestone for us. It’s the result of years of hard work, dedication, and advocacy by so many people, past and present, who have believed in Mnaasged’s vision and the importance of Indigenous-led child and family well-being," Melissa Patriquin, Executive Director.

What Does Stage C Designation Mean?

Many have asked what this significant milestone represents for Mnaasged. The designation process is how Indigenous Child and Family Well-Being agencies are formally recognized by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS). It unfolds in stages, starting with early planning and readiness, followed by demonstrating strong governance, community involvement, and service capacity.

With Stage C designation, Mnaasged is now entering the Transition Phase, the final step before becoming a fully designated Indigenous Child and Family Well-Being Agency. During this phase, we will undertake several critical steps, including:

• Hiring and Training Staff: Recruiting and training staff to deliver child welfare services, with placements in partner Children’s Aid Societies (CASs) to connect with families, children, and youth who will be served by Mnaasged.

• Service Parameters Agreement: Establishing agreements with all First Nations whose members will be served, as well as any additional populations, such as Inuk and Métis families, if services are offered to them.

• Finalizing the Transition Plan: Collaborating with CASs on the transfer of jurisdiction, including forming committees to address services, data, IT, legal communications, and other critical areas.

• Service Protocols: Completing service protocols with key partners, including police, hospitals, health units, children’s mental health services, violence against women programs, and school boards.

• Securing Office Locations: Establishing office locations throughout our catchment area to ensure accessible service delivery.

• Negotiating with MCCSS: Working on a new agreement with the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services to assume full responsibility for providing child and family well-being services for our member First Nations.

• 
  

A Collective Achievement

This milestone belongs to everyone who has contributed to Mnaasged’s journey. From the programs you deliver, the support you provide to families, the community relationships you’ve nurtured, to the behind-the-scenes efforts that keep our operations running, every action has played a vital role in this success.

We are deeply grateful for the unwavering commitment of our team, communities, and partners. Together, we are building a future guided by our culture, our values, and our dedication to the well-being of our children and families.

Looking Ahead

While there are still steps to take on this journey, today we celebrate how far we’ve come and what this achievement means for our children, families, and communities. We remain committed to working collaboratively, rooted in our culture, to ensure the best outcomes for those we serve.

Yaw^ko, Anushiik, Miigwetch to everyone for your continued support and congratulations to our incredible team!

With gratitude and excitement,

Mnaasged Child and Family Services