An uncaring state? The overrepresentation of First Nations children in the Canadian child welfare system

As the Idle No More movement fades in people's minds, concern remains that First Nations children continue to be left behind. In Canada today, Aboriginal youth represent about 5% of the youth population; however, nearly 50% of the children and youth under government care are of Aboriginal ancestry. In 2007, in response to ongoing disparities experienced by First Nations children receiving child welfare services, the First Nations Child & Family Caring Society of Canada and the Assemply of First Nations launched a human rights complaint against the Government of Canada. The complaint alleges that by failing to provide equitable child welfare services and funding for children living on-reserve, Canada is discriminating against First Nations children and contributing to their continued overrepresentation in the child welfare system, with recent estimates suggesting that First Nations communities receive 22% less funding per child.

Publication Date: 
2014
Pages: 
E533
Volume: 
186
Issue: 
14
Journal Name: 
CMAJ
Location: 
Canada