Project 458686

Over 90% of children and youth in Manitoba's child welfare system are Indigenous. When the child welfare system takes a child into care, the state becomes the guardian. The state is responsible for providing necessary supports and protections to children in care to promote health and well-being, including access to mental health, substance use, and addiction services. However, First Nations and Red River Métis (FNM) children and youth in care have poorer mental health and higher substance use and addictions rates. This raises questions about whether the state is doing FNM children and youth in care justice, providing them with supports and protections they deserve. We also do not know how FNM children transition to adulthood and how these pathways through the child welfare system impact their mental health. In my PhD research, I will conduct a policy analysis of Manitoba's child welfare system to answer these questions using a mixed-methods participatory approach with multiple stakeholders and communities. I will analyze statistical data from Manitoba's child welfare and health services systems to understand the relationship between child welfare involvement and mental health. Furthermore, I will hold talking circles with caregivers and FNM youth involved with child welfare to record their experiences when accessing mental health care and interview people working 'inside' and 'around' mental health and child welfare systems. I will share lessons with Indigenous community groups and people working in child welfare and health care. My findings will provide the latest evidence to improve services for FNM children in care with better protections to promote mental health. Racism is a major driver of poor mental health and addictions outcomes among FNM youth and the reason many FNM children are taken away from their families and communities. My research will disrupt this legacy to create an environment that supports better health and well-being among Manitoba FNM.