In Nunavik, various services are available to support families in difficulty that are offered by the Health centres. These include, but are not limited to:
Community and social services
Community and social services in Nunavik are under the responsibility of both health centres. Community and social services are available to the population (0 to 100 years) under the Act respecting health services and social services (ARHSSS). They are the main gateway to front-line social services. These services are offered exclusively on a voluntary basis.
Services for families in difficulty are adapted according to a family’s needs; they vary from periodic support to long-term follow-up. Some examples are:
- financial or material support to respond to the food or clothing needs of a family going through a difficult period;
- workshops for developing parental skills;
- individual or family follow-up.
Rehabilitation services
Rehabilitation services in Nunavik are under the responsibility of the Ungava Tulattavik Health Centre. They offer social-adjustment or rehabilitation services to young persons aged 0 to 17 years who, because of their behavioural, psychosocial or family difficulties, require supervision and support. These services may be solicited by Youth Protection, YCJA services as well as social services. In Nunavik, rehabilitation services include:
- An external educator service offered in the 14 communities. These educators work directly in the family to prevent placement or to reintegrate the youth into the family;
- Two rehabilitation centres for a mixed clientele aged 6 to 12 years;
- Two group homes for a mixed clientele aged 12 to 18 years;
- A rehabilitation centre for a male clientele aged 12 to 18 years;
- A rehabilitation centre for a female clientele aged 12 to 18 years;
A closed-custody unit for boys serving a sentence under the YCJA.
Youth Protection services
Youth Protection services in Nunavik are under the responsibility of both health centres. The Youth Protection Act (YPA) in Quebec is a provincial law designed to protect children under the age of 18 whose security or development is or may be considered to be in danger. It aims to address situations that compromise a child's well-being, ensuring their security, education and development. The act includes specific provisions for Indigenous children and families, recognizing their unique cultural, historical and community contexts.
A situation can be reported to Youth Protection in the following cases:
- Abandonment
- Neglect
- Psychological ill-treatment
- Exposure to domestic violence
- Sexual abuse
- Physical abuse
- Serious behavioural disturbance
When a report is received, the intake department assesses whether there are sufficient grounds to retain the report. If so, an evaluation is conducted to determine whether the child’s security or development is compromised. If the evaluation confirms that the child is at risk, Youth Protection will offer services to the child and their family, either on a voluntary basis or through a court order.
Youth Protection is also responsible for the recruitment and follow-up of foster families, in partnership with Nunavimi Illagiit Papatauvinga.
Youth Criminal Justice Act services (YCJA)
YCJA services in Nunavik are under the responsibility of both health centres. The Youth Criminal Justice Act is a Canadian federal law that applies to youth aged 12 to 17 who are suspected of committing a criminal offence or violating a federal law.
The youth criminal justice system is different from the adult system. The Youth Criminal Justice Act holds young people accountable for their actions and focuses on rehabilitation and reintegration by encouraging youth to recognize the harm caused to victims and the community. It also involves families in the process. In collaboration with the 14 communities, the goal is to reduce recidivism and promote long-term public safety through culturally grounded, community-based support.