Long-Term Reform of First Nations Child and Family Services

Loving Justice, the First Nation-led Plan

On August 20, 2025, the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (Tribunal) issued 2025 CHRT 80, ordering Canada, along with the co-complainants, the Caring Society and the Assembly of First Nations to move forward on national long-term reform of First Nations Child and Family Services (FNCFS) and submit a plan jointly or separately for December 22nd, 2025. This was to happen concurrently and separately from the Ontario Final Agreement (OFA).

Following national engagement, the Loving Justice Plan was submitted to Tribunal as the First Nations-led designed plan to permanently end Canada’s discrimination in FNCFS. Built from 100+ engagement submissions from leaders, youth, Elders and technical experts, the Loving Justice Plan outlines national minimum standards with enforceable accountability, needs-based funding and First Nations-led governance. Canada also submitted its own plan, leading to two distinct proposals before the Tribunal. The Tribunal has not yet rendered a decision on next steps, including whether it will select one plan, require revisions, or combine elements of the proposals submitted.

Click Here to Read Loving Justice Click Here to Read Canada's Plan

This page is an evolving resource, we will share new information when it becomes available. The resources on this page are available in French.

FNCFS Long-Term Reform Resources

2025 CHRT 80 & Information Sheet

2025 CHRT 80 Information Sheet

On August 20, 2025, the Tribunal issued 2025 CHRT 80, ordering Canada, along with co-complainants to move forward on national First Nations Child and Family Services (FNCFS) long-term reform without further delay.

Read our new information sheet on the Tribunal's orders.

Leadership Brief

Leadership Brief: Loving Justice National Plan vs. Canada's Plan for FNCFS Long-Term Reform

On December 22, 2025, as ordered by 2025 CHRT 80, two distinct plans were submitted to the Tribunal, the First Nations-led Loving Justice Plan and Canada's plan for FNCFS long-term reform. Our information sheet compares the approach, governance, funding, accountability and regional variations offered in each plan.

Comparative Funding Analysis Information Sheet

Comparative Funding Analysis: Loving Justice and Canada's National Plan

Our information sheet offers a comparative analysis of the different funding models offered in the Loving Justice plan vs. Canada's Plan for long-term reform of the First Nations Child and Family Services.

NCCC Website

National Children's Chiefs Commission's (NCCC) Webinar Series

The NCCC in collaboration with The Caring Society and Our Children Our Way Society hosted a series of webinars comparing and analyzing the different aspects of the Loving Justice Plan and Canada's National Plan on Long-Term Reform of the First Nations Child and Family Services Program .

To access all recordings of the webinar series and presentation slides, visit the NCCC's website!

Leadership Decision Guide

Leadership Decision Guide on Child and Family Services

This information note is designed to help First Nations leadership assess Loving Justice and Canada’s Plan to determine which approach best:

Ends discrimination,
Protects children across generations,
Addresses regional distinctions,
Ensures real enforcement,
Respects First Nations decision-making and rights, and
Provides stable funding aligned with human rights.

Background

On February 23, 2007, the Assembly of First Nations and the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada took the historic step of holding Canada accountable before the Canadian Human Rights Commission for its current treatment of First Nations children. The complaint alleges that the Government of Canada had a longstanding pattern of providing less government funding for child welfare services to First Nations children on reserves than is provided to non-Indigenous children.

On January 26, 2016, the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal found that Canada discriminates against First Nations children in its provision of the First Nations Child and Family Services Program and by failing to implement Jordan's Principle. The Tribunal ruling was a victory not only for First Nations kids, but for all people in Canada who believe in love and fairness.

Visit the Tribunal Timeline and Documents for the latest on the case.

In 2021, the Assembly of First Nations, the Caring Society, Chiefs of Ontario, Nishnawbe-Aski Nation, and the Government of Canada signed an Agreement in Principle setting out a framework for a Final Settlement Agreement to end Canada’s discriminatory conduct and prevent its recurrence. In December 2023, the Caring Society stepped out of the Agreement in Principle process to bring a non-compliance order against Canada due to the serious, life-altering, and threatening consequences for First Nations children, youth, and families arising from failed implementation by Canada of the Tribunal’s orders on Jordan’s Principle.

On July 11, 2024, the Assembly of First Nations, Chiefs of Ontario, Nishnawbe Aski Nation, and the Government of Canada signed a draft Final Settlement Agreement on the Long-term Reform of the First Nations Child and Family Services Program. The draft agreement is subject to approval by First Nations-in-Assembly and the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal.