Supporting cultural and relational connections with Indigenous children and youth in care: A literature review
Date
2023
Authors
Eddy, Sarah
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Publisher
University of Victoria
Abstract
Cultural connections play an important role in the overall health and well-being of Indigenous peoples (Child Welfare Information Gateway, n.d.) and can work as a protective factor for Indigenous children and youth (Chandler & Lalonde, 1998). Indigenous children and youth continue to be overrepresented in the child welfare system (Government of Canada, 2023) in British Columbia (BC) and are likely to lose connections to their cultures, families, and communities (Federation of BC Youth in Care Networks, 2024; Quinn, 2020) particularly when they are placed in non-Indigenous homes (Choate & Tortorelli, 2022; Oliver, 2020). This disconnection can have negative impacts on children and youth’s mental health, self-esteem, and sense of belonging (Federation of BC Youth in Care Networks, 2024). Despite recommendations laid out in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) of Canada Calls to Action (Navia et al., 2018; Special Advisor Grand Chief Ed John, 2016) and from the Representative for Children and Youth (RCY) in BC (Representative for Children and Youth, 2024), Indigenous children and youth in care, specifically on continuing care orders (CCOs), lack supports in maintaining cultural and relational continuity. The Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) have identified the need to address barriers and gain insight into how Indigenous children and youth on Continuing Care Orders (CCOs) can be best supported.
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Citation
Eddy, S. (2023). Supporting cultural and relational connections with Indigenous children and youth in care: A literature review. University of Victoria.