Obishikokaang Sagatay Gamik

About

Obishikokaang Sagatay Gamik (OSG) supports our children, youth and families involved with the child welfare system by providing advocacy for families who are experiencing involvement with the child welfare system.

We build upon the strengths and values of the community to make sure our children remain with their immediate family within the community. Our goal is to guide our families through child welfare matters and help families better understand the child welfare system and their rights.

OSG supports Chief and Council in exercising their rights and responsibilities under provincial and federal laws to make sure that agencies across Canada are properly consulting with the First Nation regarding our children.

Currently services are available for on-reserve members to provide legal advocacy support as well as intensive family support.  OSG is in the process of expanding offices to off-reserve locations to provide both legal advocacy and intensive family support to members across Canada. 

Services

  • Child Welfare Education & Navigation

    • Help families understand applicable Child and Family Services laws.

    • Help children, youth and families understand the child welfare system and guide them through it.

    • Help families understand their options and processes under customary care.

  • Family Advocacy & Support

    Family Advocacy & Support

    • Provide advocacy to Obishikogaang children and families.

    • Advocate for more family visits and family involvement in case planning.

    • Attend visits and meetings between the child welfare agency and the family.

    • Support families in addressing challenges and strengthening the family to prevent children from entering care or support reunification.

  • Customary Care & Family-Based Placements

    • Assist families in finding customary care placements.

    • Assist families with customary care agreements.

    • Explain customary care options and processes.

    • Support family-based solutions that prevent children from entering or remaining in care.

  • Child Welfare Case Planning & Legal Advocacy

    • Represent the First Nation as a party to child welfare proceedings.

    • Support collaborative planning and case conferencing.

    • Advocate for family involvement in case planning.

    • Help families navigate meetings and processes with child welfare agencies.

  • Cultural, Community & Repatriation Support

    • Ensure children and youth in care maintain connections to their Anishinaabe culture, community and family.

    • Provide repatriation support for families involved in the child welfare system who want to establish or re-establish links to the community

  • Referrals & Service Coordination

    • Refer families to other programs and services when OSG cannot provide the required support.

    • Connect families with appropriate legal supports, including for custody or criminal matters.

Tricia Binguis

Director

triciabinguis@lacseulfn.org