Social work practice with Indigenous children must acknowledge the impact of intergenerational trauma suffered by Indigenous peoples resulting from colonization, residential schools, the 60's scoop and ongoing impacts of racism. 

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Respecting Indigenous peoples, their culture and history is trauma-informed and needs to be paramount during removal and placement of Indigenous children. Trauma-informed social work prioritizes maintaining Indigenous children's cultural connections. 

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Key considerations for removal and placement of Indigenous children:

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• Indigenous children need to be placed with family, in their communities and connected to their language, culture and the land

• Indigenous children in care need to be connected to Indigenous organizations and representatives

• Always acknowledge and honour a child’s indigenous heritage

• Value Indigenous ways of knowing and prioritize Indigenous-lead solutions, interventions, seek culturally appropriate services for Indigenous children

• If an Indigenous placement is not possible - ensure the foster parents are educated about the child's culture and understand that Indigenous families have been profoundly impacted by:

  • Intergenerational trauma

  • Colonization

  • Residential schools

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Placement options with family/extended family should be feverishly pursued. The links below are will also guide you in your on-going work with Indigenous children and families.