B.C. launches aboriginal family court pilot to reduce indigenous kids in care
NEW WESTMINSTER, B.C. — British Columbia hopes to reduce the over-representation of indigenous children in government care with a new aboriginal family court pilot program.
The Aboriginal Family Healing Court Conference pilot program will be based in New Westminster, B.C., and limited to hearing family case conferences after an initial court hearing has already been held.
The program will include band elders in proceedings, supports families to create a healing plan with treatment options, and cultural ceremonies to mark the progress.
Chief Clifford White of the Gitxaala Nation on B.C.’s northern coast says the initiative is an aboriginal-led solution and the hope is that communities can adapt the model to use in child-welfare cases.