10
14. Following the release of the IFSD Phase One Report, the Caring Society
and the AFN asked the IFSD to define a funding approach and performance
measurement framework for First Nations child and family services, with
funding support from Indigenous Services Canada. The purpose of this
second phase was to present a funding structure; a means of developing
evidence to understand the well-being of children, families, and communities;
and a range of scenarios to cost the proposed approach. Canada agreed to
fund this second phase on May 13, 2019.
15. On July 31, 2020, IFSD released its second report, Funding First Nations
child and family services (FNCFS): A performance budget approach to well-
being (the “IFSD Phase Two Report”). Based on 2019/2020 fiscal data, the
IFSD Phase Two Report proposes a performance framework called
“Measuring to Thrive” and a needs-based block funding approach based on
indicators of well-being, bottom-up budgeting complemented by need and
performance components, as well as control exercised by First Nations in the
development and delivery of child well-being services.
16. The IFSD Phase Two Report outlines a funding approach designed as a
block transferred budget with components addressing gaps in need, including
prevention, poverty, geography, information technology and capital, with other
supplements for the shift to a result-focused approach that addresses the real
needs of First Nations children, youth, families, and First Nations. Among the
various components costed by the IFSD, the funding approach recommends
that prevention be funded (at the upper end) at $2500 per capita, based on
community population, automatically adjusted based on inflation and
population.
17. On July 22, 2021, the IFSD submitted its response to the AFN’s request
for proposal for Research for the Modeling of a Wellbeing Focused Approach
for First Nations Child and Family Services Through Performance Budgeting
(“IFSD Phase Three”). IFSD Phase Three is focused on modeling the funding
approach outlined in the IFSD Phase Two Report in order to build capacity
and an enhanced bottom-up planning framework for FNCFS Agencies and
First Nations, while building confidence among stakeholders. Canada agreed
to fund the entire proposal on December 31, 2021.
18. On April 2, 2019, the AFN proffered evidence regarding the many
challenges youth in care face once they age out of care. On November 22,
2019, Youth in Care Canada released Justice, Equity and Culture: the First-
Ever YICC Gathering of First Nations Youth Advisors (the “2019 Youth in Care
Report”), which was tendered in evidence and referenced in 2020 CHRT 7
paras. 30-32. In December 2021, Youth in Care Canada released Children
Back, Land Back: A Follow-Up Report for First Nations Youth in Care Advisors
(the “2021 Youth in Care Report”). The evidence, including evidence put
forward during the hearing on the merits, underscores the need for young
people to be involved in matters affecting them on an ongoing basis as well