LOU starts "transformative change" for child welfare.

On Sept. 18 a ceremony was held unveiling the formal relationship between the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations and Saskatchewan's Advocate for Children and Youth. The Letter of Understanding was a step in bringing about "the transformative change to child welfare" that First Nations and many community-based organizations have been calling for over the years, said FSIN Vice Chief Dutch Edward Lerat. Eighty per cent of children in provincial care are First Nations. The framework focuses on keeping children out of care by ensuring children and their families receive increased support services, which are culturally-responsive and delivered at the community level.