Child and Family Services Wellbeing and Reform COURSE CONNECTION: The current child welfare system requires significant reform to shift from a deeply rooted protection focus to an emphasis on community healing and wellness. This will require an in-depth review of jurisdiction initiatives, as well as a paradigm shift to capture a holistic vision of wellbeing over the lifespan with a focus on children and youth served in the system. BACKGROUND: Indigenous peoples in Canada are healing from a history of oppression. The effects of colonization continue to be felt today most significantly in Indigenous families and communities. The over representation of Indigenous children in the child welfare system is indicative of ongoing discriminatory practices, a lack of an Indigenous lens in the development and enactment of related policies, and an all too slow process toward a sovereign approach in Indigenous communities. PROJECT-BASED LEARNING (RESEARCH): project-based learning is a teaching method in which “students gain knowledge and skills by working for an extended period of time to research and respond to a complex question, problem, or challenge and results in a production, publication, or presentation that is shared with an audience” (Buck Institute for Education). The outcome of the project work with an Indigenous focus is to “develop a knowledge of understanding of, and respect for, the histories, cultures, languages, contributions, perspectives, experiences and contemporary contexts of First Nations, Inuit, and Metis peoples.” “This project-based learning (research) is a piece of correspondence and will serve as a great launch “to educate others about what you have discovered” meaning you will also use your findings to inform your Presentation assignment for this class as well. CHOICE: This is an independent project submitted only to the instructor. PROJECT GOAL: To research an aspect, piece of legislation, specific child welfare program, gaps in services, or any other relevant topic area relevant to the course focus. GUIDING CRITERIA: NC 229 Child and Family Services Wellbeing and Reform ❖ You can choose to share your research in an essay format or develop a PowerPoint presentation or other format of choice. Consider using voice over if you choose a slide presentation. ❖ Your research focus must be connected to the course learning objectives in this course. We will brainstorm ideas in class, and you are encouraged to follow a research path that holds the most curiosity for you. ❖ The following elements are important in your research project: a. Essay ~ 8 – 10 pages B. Include graphics, images, websites, charts, brief videos C. A list of references to source your information D. APA format to include a title page, numbered pages, citations, etc. 1. Introduce the Research area you have chosen: • Overview and Introduction • What inspired you in this direction? What did you want to learn? • What questions guided your research? • What did you learn? Be specific ~ answer your own questions. • Make distinct connections to course material, readings, discussions. • What questions were unearthed in your research that you would like to learn more about? What insights were revealed? • How does what you learned inform your practice? • Your recommendations, suggestions, and conclusions. SUBMISSION: ✓ Be creative on how you’d like to present your information. ✓ APA Formatted submission: Title Page, Reference Page, Typed, Double-Spaced, Font 12 ✓ Submit via BB Enjoy