Family Violence Initiative

COMPENDIUM OF PROMISING PRACTICES TO REDUCE VIOLENCE AND INCREASE SAFETY OF ABORIGINAL WOMEN IN CANADA – COMPENDIUM ANNEX: DETAILED PRACTICE DESCRIPTIONS

History:: The program began in 1992 as a cell phone crisis line in response to the high suicide rate in the community. In 1994 it became more organized, with office space and a crisis centre in addition to the crisis line. In 1999 more services were developed, such as after care, outreach worker, suicide prevention coordinator position, residential school survivor program, and grief and loss counselling.

Goals & Objectives:: To prevent suicide and self harm, assist in crisis intervention and education while promoting mental and emotional health.
Traditional/Indigenous ways:: The program offers access to traditional ways of healing though healing circles, talking circles, sweat lodge ceremonies and cultural craft workshops run by local Elders.
Components of program:: The program provides: suicide and crisis intervention services – including crisis help line, on-line support, outreach workers, risk assessment, and referrals to other agencies; grief and loss counselling; and response to disclosures of physical, sexual and domestic abuse. Counsellors work with the client as well as other agencies, Elders and families to promote healing; and give presentations in schools to prevent bullying and abuse.
Services/How they work:: Services are provided on site at the facility.
Funding:: N/A

Involvement of Target Groups:: Program direction is received, in part, through consultation with the band's Wellness Committee.
Partners:: Health and Wellness Centre; Mental Health Services; RCMP; Child and Family Services; and other First Nation communities.
Other relationships:: N/A

Evaluation:: Evaluations have been completed.
Highlights of Evaluation Findings:: The reports were not made available publicly, and no specific results can be provided.

Measures of Success:: Success is measured by the numbers of people that use the program services; and the measureable reduction of suicides that occur in the community as a result of the positive impact the program has had on the community.
Achievements:: The program has resulted in a measureable reduction in the number of suicides in the community. It has also successfully networked with other local organizations to make services more easily accessed by the community.
Challenges:: Obtaining funding. There is a lack of core, long term funding for this program.

Replication Advice:: The program is considered replicable. Utilizing a collaborative team approach would allow staff members to more readily develop case plans and target interventions.
Resources:: Adequate funding, properly trained staff and facility space for the programming would be necessary to ensure the program's success.