Family Violence Initiative

COMPENDIUM OF PROMISING PRACTICES TO REDUCE VIOLENCE AND INCREASE SAFETY OF ABORIGINAL WOMEN IN CANADA

INTERACTIONS WITHIN COMMUNITIES

Healthy Relationships: Children and Youth

Program Name:

Family Resource Centre; Family Treatment Program

Organization/Community:

Shehatshiu Innu First Nation

Location:

Sheshatshiu, Newfoundland

Website:

N/A

Goals and Objectives:

To provide support and substance abuse treatment to families of Sheshatshiu, reducing violence and increasing safety.

Target Group Description:

Families

Program Description:

The Family Resource Centre provides family support to clients by Elders and support workers in the form of parental counselling and follow-up with clients after treatment. The centre has also provided training to other resource centres throughout Labrador. The Family Treatment Program offers a 6 week "to the country" session that focuses on Innu culture and traditional ways. Trained staff and Elders work with the family to build on strengths and connect with their cultural identity. The program offers follow up to help with the client family's transition back to community.

Program Successes/Impact:

Well received by the community. The program is able to make lasting, positive changes in the lives of clients.

Key Lesson/ Challenge:

Staff burnout and turnover.

Program in operation since:

1996.

Program:

Ongoing.