Children/Youth Services

We are here to ensure your child has the supports and services needed to reach their full potential. The Children/Youth Services Program is in place to support families and their children, 18 and under, as they access health and social services and/or agencies.

We are available to attend and book appointments, make referrals, manage child’s care team, provide therapeutic supports, and advocate for you and your child.

Early Years Program

Coordinated Service Planning (CSP)

A new provincial strategy in Ontario has launched to improve the services for children and youth with special needs. CSP will support families of children and youth from birth to end of school with multiple and/or complex needs in three ways:

• To access coordinated service planning for a range of services across sectors
• To bring together all service providers working with the child or youth
• To develop one Coordinated Service Plan for each child/youth that illustrated the family and child/youth’s goals, strengths and needs, as well as all of the services that the child/youth is and will be receiving.

Rehab Therapy Support

In partnership with Pathways Health Centre our Communicative Disorder Assistant and Therapist Assistant will provide physiotherapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy to eligible children/youth. Supports can be provided at Aamjiwnaang First Nation or at your child’s school.

Those who are interested in receiving supports can contact Children/Youth Services, Nicole Maness.

FASD Clinic

The FASD Clinic is for registered Aamjiwnaang members, ages 7 – 18, or the children of registered members. These children could be experiencing difficulties that are suspected to be a result of prenatal exposure to alcohol. These individuals may have difficulty with education, social skills, organization, employment, and independent living. *Confirmation of prenatal alcohol exposure is required. The Clinic Lead can assist in gathering this information. *

Jordan’s Principle

Jordan’s Principle is in place to prevent First Nation’s children, on or off reserve, from being denied essential services or prevent children from experiencing delays in receiving them.

How to Apply:

Aamjiwnaang Children/Youth Services can help you obtain the supporting documentation and submit an application.

OR

you can begin a submission by contacting:

Application In-take: 613-618-1833 or ontariojordansprinciple-principledejordanlontario@hc-sc.gc.ca

Jordan’s Principle Call Centre: 1-855-JP-CHILD (1-855-572-4453) open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Examples of Services and Supports included (but not limited too) in Jordan’s Principle: 

Health

• mobility aids
• wheelchair ramps
• addiction services
• services from Elders
• mental health services
• specialized hearing aids
• traditional healing services
• therapeutic services (speech therapy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy)
• long-term care for children with specialized needs
• medical supplies and equipment
• transportation to appointments
• assessments and screenings
• services for children in care

Social

• social worker
• land-based activities
• personal support worker
• specialized summer camps
• respite care (individual or group)
• specialized programs based on cultural beliefs and practices

Education

• assistive technologies and electronics
• psycho-educational assessments
• specialized school transportation
• teaching assistants
• tutoring services
• school supplies

Respite Care

Aamjiwnaang Health Centre has partnered with Bluewater Respite to offer Respite Care Services for children in the community who qualify. Families are eligible for up to 4 hours per week plus $50.00 per month for outings and activities. We understand the importance of maintaining your own personal well being. This service gives caregivers time away from their regular responsibilities, a chance to re-energize and an opportunity to pursue their own interests.

Does my child qualify for respite care?

For Respite care the person must:

• The child or caregiver must be an Aamjiwnaang First Nation member.
• Displaying a physical, intellectual, developmental, and or behavioural challenge.
• Complete intake package.
• The primary caregiver requires relief.
• The client is between the ages birth to 18 years.
• Be able to have service provided with safety to the client and the staff within the standards, policies, and regulations for practice.

Dental

Aamjiwnaang Health Centre has partnered with Courtney Ricciuto-Thompson, Dental Hygienist and Myofunctional Therapist to offer screenings and minor dental care.

How can we help you and your little one?

• Prenatal screenings
• Dental screenings for children ages 0-7
• Minor dental treatments
• Maintaining proper Oral Health
• Early practice before going to dentist

If you are interested in learning more, please email afndental@gmail.com

Staff

Melanie Le Faive  – Children/ Youth Services Coordinator

Nicole Maness – Administrative Assistant

Vacant – Communications Disorder Assistant

Ashleigh Pettit – Occupational/Physiotherapy Assistant

Courtney Ricciuto-Thompson – Dental Hygienist

Contact us!

Aamjwnaang E’ Mino Bmaad-Zijig Gamig

1300 Tashmoo Ave. , Sarnia, ON N7T 8E5

T: 519-332-6770 Ext. 331| F: 519-332-8925

nmaness@aamjiwnaang.ca