Gitxsan Grandmothers Struggle with #ChildWelfare #Poverty #Genocide



I am writing to share my experience of having my grandson in the care of MCFD. I hope my story provides some insight and helps you understand the process better.

As you may know, my grandson has been apprehended by the ministry and is currently in temporary foster care. This is a reality that many Aboriginal children face, and it’s a painful experience for families like mine.

I currently have my older grandson living with me under MCFD coverage, labeled as "child in home of a relative." I am subject to random home checks and Criminal Record Checks every few years, the last one being about seven months ago. Despite this arrangement, every child must go through the same "Out of Care Options Assessment." Unfortunately, this assessment can take a long time—anywhere from six months to two years—depending on the availability of the social worker. Right now, the social worker assigned to me has 71 files to manage.

I met with my new social worker, Betty C., on November 19, 2015. She provided me with a list of programs available for children living with their grandparents. After our conversation, I found myself confused about the options. I didn’t realize that the previous social worker, Sarah B., had been applying for me to have a Community Care Order (CCO) under Section 8. Betty believed I wanted “Section 54.01,” which would mean no MCFD involvement, just support payments and daycare subsidies. Now that I understand the options better, I would prefer that route.

The information provided by the Legal Services Society (LSS) is not always clear on the programs outlined in the CFCSA. However, the handout from Betty was easy to read and straightforward. Unfortunately, I received this document five months after my grandson was removed, and I worry that not all extended family members are given the same information.

It’s crucial for me, as a grandparent, to know what options I have and what steps I need to take to have my grandson in my care. Yesterday, I learned that, as a single grandparent, I simply cannot afford to take my grandson out of MCFD foster care. The allowance and subsidy provided do not cover the monthly daycare costs of $1,800, the monthly park-and-ride fee of $200, and living costs of $500. The CFCSA programs do not cover daycare, and the subsidy is only $750, while maintenance payments are $803.81.

The program appears to be designed for clients and foster parents who do not work or who already have children at home as their only source of income. Additionally, the BCGEU Collective Agreement does not cover CFCSA Out of Care Options in Maternity Leave, nor does Employment Insurance.

One of the most disheartening aspects of this situation is that the ministry does not recognize grandparents as parties to the proceedings. Betty confirmed this to me. When she asked why I didn’t have a lawyer add me as a party, I explained that LSS does not cover legal costs for grandparents or anyone not officially part of the proceedings. I would need a lawyer to add me as a party.

Betty suggested using duty counsel, but I clarified that Family Duty Counsel do not handle paperwork and do not add clients as parties to proceedings in CFCSA matters. 

She also informed me that my grandson could remain in foster care for up to two years before transitioning to permanent foster care. I hope that during this time, I can find a way to afford to bring him home, as daycare costs may decrease as he gets older, and I might find a way to reduce parking expenses.

I can’t help but wonder if there are other options that the social worker hasn’t mentioned. The whole experience is incredibly stressful, especially without a lawyer. 

While it may seem normal for Aboriginal children to be taken by MCFD, as it happens so frequently, I want to express how dehumanizing this process feels. With each child taken, my heart breaks. Most of our children miss out on important community events—Baby Showers, Birthdays, Baptisms, and Aboriginal Naming ceremonies.

I hope this message sheds light on my experience and the challenges we face. Thank you for taking the time to read my story.

Sincerely,  
Stephanie
Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada

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