Collaborative Decision-Making Navigator
This service will support and guide racialized families as they engage with the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD). Navigators are available now to assist families across BC in understanding available collaborative decision-making processes.
Navigators will connect families to appropriate community resources and support families to meaningfully participate in collaborative decision-making processes. This support can include working with other professionals serving the family, and attending processes with families where required. As referrals are received, we will help families identify best available process options including identifying supports needed (e.g., lawyer, housing, family development, initiate a collaborative decision-making process - FGC, FCPC, mediation). Navigators provide short term, direct services that support the families to co-create their pathway forward with MCFD.
Listen to Sierra Wells explain the service:
Please note that the phone number has changed to 1-877-656-1300 ext. 103 (toll free) since the Instagram recordings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Collaborative Decision-Making (CDM)?
If it is Child Protection related, does that mean it has to be after the child(ren) is/are removed?
What can the Navigator help with? What can the Navigator do/not do?
Who should contact the Navigator?
How do I know whether I should contact the Navigator?
How do I contact the Navigator?
What are the Collaborative Decision-Making (CDM) processes and how do I choose?
What is a navigator?
A navigator helps their clients navigate complex systems with multiple pathways and various challenges. Our role is to support and guide racialized families as they engage with the Ministry for Children and Family Development (MCFD). We connect families to appropriate community resources and support families to meaningfully participate in collaborative decision-making processes. Our intention is to provide short term direct services that support the families to co-create their pathway forward with MCFD.
What is Collaborative Decision-Making (CDM)?
In Child Protection, it is the practice of including family and community members in the decision making / planning process to co-create plans and agreements that protect children and youth and address the needs of families.
If it is Child Protection related, does that mean it has to be after the child(ren) is/are removed?
No, Collaborative processes can be initiated at any time.
What can the Navigator help with? What can the Navigator do/not do?
We can:
- help connect families to local resources that may be relevant to their case (for example, a lawyer, housing, family development, counselling etc.)
- help the families understand how typical engagement with MCFD looks.
- help to initiate a collaborative decision-making process
- attend collaborative decision-making meetings when requested
We do not:
- challenge the Social Workers determination for protection
- provide legal advice
- provide any financial supports
Who should contact the Navigator?
- Any member of a racialized family who is engaged in child welfare matter with MCFD, including a parent, grandparent, or youth.
- Resources workers who are supporting racialized families in child welfare matters
- Parent's counsel and other lawyers seeking additional information and resources on collaborative decision-making options for their clients
How do I know whether I should contact the Navigator?
If you answer yes to both of the following, feel free to contact the Navigator:
- Has MCFD made contact with you or a family you are working with, or there is reason to believe that they will?
- Are you, or the family you are helping, a member of a racialized community?
How do I contact the Navigator?
Call 1-877-656-1300 ext. 103 (toll free) or email navigator@mediatebc.com.
What are the Collaborative Decision-Making (CDM) processes and how do I choose?
Hear from the Senior Navigator directly:
Who is the Navigator?
There are actually two Navigators. Currently, they are Tasnuva Rahman and Talia Holy. Read more about Tasnuva here and Talia here.
Contact the Navigator at 1-877-656-1300 ext. 103 (toll free) or email navigator@mediatebc.com.
If you have questions about Child Protection mediation or how to access mediation, please attend one of our Ask a Mediator (Child Welfare) Clinic. It is offered twice a month on Wednesdays, between 2-4pm, PST.
CDM Navigator Brochure