The Band Representative acts on behalf of Atikameksheng Anishnawbek Band Members as party in family court proceedings involving the First Nation’s Children under the Child and Youth Family Services Act. The role of the Band Representative is to protect the collective best interest of Atikameksheng Anishnawbek children and to ensure a culturally appropriate disposition of the case.
Roles and Responsibilities of the Band Representative
- Promote the Atikameksheng Anishnawbek Vision and Value Statements
- To liaise with other First Nation Band Representatives, Agencies and Legal counsel
- To advocate for the best interest of the child in all CAS matters
- To utilize extended family members first and foremost in conjunction with CAS workers
- To ensure that Atikameksheng Anishnaebek Band members are fully aware of their rights
- Provide information to parents on legal proceedings and referrals
- Work closely with Nog-Da-Win-Da-Min and Community Services
- Represent the First Nation at court as a Party to Child Welfare proceedings
- Prepare plans of care, including recommendations for placement of children
- Prepare, respond to and process legal documents as required by the New Ontario Court rules
- To represent the collective interest of the First Nation
- To collaboratively ensure a culturally appropriate disposition of each case
- Outreach and repatriation service when deemed necessary
- Attend all necessary case conferences/meetings
- Liaison with community services to assess client(s) progress and suggest alternative plans if appropriate
- Coordinate Case Management Conferences with all community services involved to monitor client’s plan of care and progress
- Attend all court cases
- Monitor ongoing orders
- Report disposition of cases
- Assess and appeal decisions as directed