Prevention and early intervention activities are essential to supporting the holistic well-being and positive outcomes of First Nations children, youth, young adults, families, and communities.

Communities are strongly encouraged to work collaboratively with their designated child protection authority. Through these partnerships, culturally responsive, holistic supports and supports and services can be provided to strengthen families, promote wellness and prevent the need for more intrusive interventions.

Increased investment in prevention and early intervention is critical to changing the First Nations Child & Family Service (FNCFS) Program. Stabilized prevention funding recognizes the critical role communities play in child safety and community well-being.

Primary Prevention (Community-Centered Prevention)
Primary prevention focuses on strenghtening communities by providing education, supports, and services that promote family wellness and prevent harm and child maltreatment before it occurs.

These efforts are community-centered and aim to build protective factors, enhance resilience, and support healthy development for children youth, and families.

Examples of primary prevention activities include:

• Classes, workshops, and outreach initiatives that support family preservation and strenghten parenting capacity.
• Activities that promote well-being, including cultual, social and recreational programming.
• Crisis support and help line services that provide immediate assistance and guidance.

Secondary Prevention (Family-Centered Prevention)
Secondary prevention focuses on supporting families who may be at increased risk of experiencing child maltreatment. These services are designed to strengthen family capacity, reduce risk factors, and promote stability and well-being.

Secondary preventiion aims to:

• Promote family reunification and safe return to community.
• Prevent the separation of children and youth from their families wherever possible.
• Ensure the appropriate supports are in place to help families stabilize and thrive.

Examples of secondary prevention activities include:

• Group interventions and support programs.
• Home visitation programs for parents and caregivers.
• Parent mentoring and peer support initiatives.
• Parenting skills development programs.
• Family counselling, guidance, and assessment services
• Addiction treatment and recovery support for parents

Tertiary Prevention (Individual-Centered Prevention)
Tertiary prevention focuses on immediate, individualized interventions to ensure the safety, protection, and well-being of children and youth when harm has occurred or risk is significant. Services are guided by the best interests of the child while working to stabilize and support the family.

Tertiary prevention aims to:

• Promote family reunification and safe return to community when appropriate
• Prevent the separation of a child or youth from their family wherever possible
• Ensure intensive supports are in place to stabilize the family and support long-term well-being

Examples of tertiary prevention activities include:

• Immediate crisis and safety interventions
• Therapeutic and healing supports that build self-esteem and resilience
• Domestic violence intervention services
• Intensive family preservation and in-home support services
• Addictions treatment and recovery supports for parents and youth