PEYAKUTENUU NIISHTAM | PAAYIKUTAANIU NIISHTIM

FAMILY GROUP CONFERENCING

empowers Eeyou/Eenou families to make decisions for their children and their family.

PAAYIKUTAANIU NIISHTIM IS A SERVICE FOR FAMILIES

It is a voluntary service that gives families or youth known to Youth Protection a voice ownership, and a safe space to make decisions on their children and family. Peyakuutenuu Niishtam will also be a resource for families, healthcare providers to utilize when a Miyupimaatisiiun Plan is required.

PEYAKUTENUU NIISHTAM/PAAYIKUTAANIU NIISHTIM’S MISSION

A way for families to meet and work together to resolve family issues and take part in the decision making process. Provides a safe spaces for these meetings that respects Eenou/Eeyou traditional way of life. It helps health care providers in various services to provide a wrap around approach in providing assistance to families using the Peyakuutenuu Nishtam approach.

THE MEETING IS ARRANGED

The Youth Protection worker can invite the Peyakuutenuu Niishtam Community Worker to explain the service to the family. If the family agrees to have the service, the Y.P. will send the referral to Peyakuutenuu Niishtam Community Worker. The agent will then begin the process. Peyakuutenuu Niishtam aims to empower individuals to take ownership and lead in decision making that will meet their unique needs, and collaborate with various service providers assisting them.

The community worker will:

→ Explain what Family Group Conferencing is about 

→ Plan and organize the logistics of the conference

→ Ask the family which family members or other important support individuals would they want to be involved in the meeting

→ Follow-up with the Miyupimaatisiiun Plans if requested

→ Find a time, location, and when the meeting can happen

→ Call all the people who were listed and prepare everyone for the upcoming family meeting them to attend the meeting

→ Ensure the safety of all participants involved in the meeting

WHAT HAPPENS AT THE FAMILY MEETING?

First:

◇ The Community Worker facilitates and guides the process of the family meeting and begins with a welcome to the group, opening if the family wishes to use a traditional family welcoming, ie. Song, prayer, smudging, silence

◇ Everyone introduces themselves and their expectation of the meeting

◇ Group Norms are established together

◇ Youth Protection and Service Provides shares information about the situation and the services that could support the Miyupimaatisiiun Plan

◇ The Family, especially the children, also share their concerns to be addressed in their meeting

◇ At any point, the family can ask questions for clarification from the service providers

Family private time:

The family will meet alone to discuss the options to help the children and the family. The youth/Child have a right to share their views and be considered in the development of the plan. The Peyakuutenuu Niishtam Community worker makes sure that everyone in the meeting understands the Miyupimaatisiiun Plan process.

Next:

The family healing plan, as agreed upon, is discussed with the Youth Protection Worker and it is put in place. The family may request another meeting if the family healing plan needs adjustment.

Duration:

The preparation can take up to 3 to 6 weeks to prepare you, your family, and who will be involved in the family circle. They will also need to find a time, where, and when the meeting can happen, and safe enough for everyone to take part of the family meeting. The conference can take hours, a day, or two days, depending on the time the family needs to reach an agreement.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

Peyakuutenuu Niishtam provides an opportunity for you and the people you care about to come together and work together to plan for a better future. This could also help:

→ Making sure your voice is being heard

→ Making decisions and others to understand your reality

→ Share your thoughts and ideas to contribute with the the Miyupimaatisiiun Plan

→ Building stronger connections and relationships

→ To avoid maximum duration of placements by Youth Protection

WHAT IS YOUR ROLE?

Your role as a family member is:

→ Work together with your family to develop a Miyupimaatisiiun Plan for the care and safety of your children and family members

→ Share your thoughts and ideas to contribute with the Miyupimaatisiiun Plan

→ Support the family during the decision-making time

→ Commit to follow the Miyupimaatisiiun Plan

A successful Family Group Conference involves a shift from a decision-making process that is professionally based to one that is family based.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

You can contact your family group conference community worker under Nishiiyuu department or Youth Protection worker under Youth Protection Department.