The mandate of the Jordans Principle Off Reserve Advocacy is to improve the quality of life for Indigenous children and their families living with special needs and/or disabilities and mental health in First Nation communities and urban settings; also to pursue ongoing communication between First Nation health care and social services providers.

The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, in conjunction with the EAGLE Urban Transition Centre (EUTC) and First Nations and Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB), have partnered to create a Special Needs Patient Advocacy program to ensure meaningful participation and engagement of First Nations children and/or adults, in the Jordan’s Principle implementation process both on and off-reserve.

Jordan’s Principle is a child-first principle used across Canada to resolve jurisdictional disputes within and between government services provided to First Nations children.

The Jordans Principle Off Reserve Advocacy Unit works with First Nation communities and organizations to develop protocol and measures for implementing special needs assessments.

Services we provide: 

• Valuable education to clients and families on various treatment, nutritional, financial, or social issues.
• Link clients and families to community resources such as transportation, housing assistance, financial assistants, and/or support groups.
• Work to optimize access to financial resources to assist clients and families with treatment-related costs and therapy services, including drugs.
• Offer emotional support to clients and families during difficult and stressful times.
• Develop a care and support plan with the family and service providers at intake.