October 22, 2021
October 22 marks the birthday of Jordan River Anderson from Norway House Cree Nation.
He was born in 1999 with a rare muscle disorder known as Carey-Fineman-Ziter Syndrome. At the age of two, Jordan’s family was given the go ahead to have Jordan live outside of the hospital with specialized services required to support Jordan in a home. These services where not put in place due to disputes of the coverages to cost for services between the provincial and federal government.
Unfortunately, Jordan lived his full 5 years inside of a hospital. He died in 2005.
Jordan’s Principle is a child first principle and legal rule named in memory of Jordan River Anderson. This young boy and his fight for equitable treatment lead the way to allow for First Nation and Inuit children to have the opportunity to receive sustainable equality through the Jordan’s Principle First initiative providing social, health and educational services. Today, we invite you to honour Jordan’s memory by taking time to learn about Jordan and Jordan’s Principle at the following links.
https://fncaringsociety.com
www.nfb.ca/film/Jordan-river-anderson-the-messenger/
Why is St.Amant involved with Jordan’s Principle?
We embrace the vision of Indigenous-led organizations that are delivering services to children and their families. St.Amant has a long history of supporting Indigenous people, both directly at the center as well as in the community. We work with individuals with varying abilities and are constantly focusing on helping children and clients to remain connected to their families and culture. We do not believe families should have to choose between where they live and having access to compassionate care for their child. St.Amant has a commitment to reconciliation and due to the high population of Indigenous people supported a unique program was developed to provide high quality and dignified care through a person centered approach.
Using our values of hospitality, excellence, and respect, we began collaborating with First Nations in Manitoba to begin the conversation about addressing needs that the communities had for their children and families. All children in Manitoba deserve quality care, regardless of where they live.
What does service look like with St.Amant Jordan’s Principle clinicians?
Service is predominantly provided in the community. Due to the current pandemic we have also included virtual services in our model, however our first priority is to come to the family. Goals are developed with the client while they are in a safe and comfortable environment.
Training and education, on a variety of topics, is available to communities upon request. Training can be provided in-person or virtually.
Direct services include: Psychology (Behavioural) Services, Psychometric testing to provincial adult disability services, Family Care Social Work, Counselling, Nurse Consultation, Dietitian Services, and Music Therapy.
If a family is interested in services, they can self-refer or connect with the local Jordan’s Principle team to fill out a referral form. The referral form is also available on the St.Amant website. www.stamant.ca/programs/jordansprinciple
What does each St.Amant Jordan’s Principle service area offer?
Psychology (Behaviour) Services
For children and youth who show challenging behaviour as defined by the caregiver. Typical referrals include support for child who demonstrate aggression, property destruction, self-injury, outbursts, difficulty with daily living skills, or difficulty communicating with others. Goals will be decided by the family to increase positive behaviours, promote independence, and improve the quality of life for the child. Clinicians within Psychology Services have experience working with children diagnosed with intellectual disabilities and autism. However, a diagnosis is not required for service.
Family Care Social Work
In the short term, our social workers aim to support families intensively by enhancing family functioning, prevent unplanned or emergency out-of-home placements, and support with navigating housing inquiries. Like all of St.Amant’s services, working with Family Care is voluntary. Some reasons for referrals may be bullying or difficulty making friends, communication barriers between caregiver and school, family breakdown, divorce or relocation, and navigating health systems.
Counselling Services
Our counsellors provide in-depth, non-crisis counselling. Sessions focus on helping the individual to understand themselves and their different emotions, talk about past trauma, work through grief and/or create bonds with others. Services are available to the child, parents, and other family members. Typical referral reasons include: impact of a disability on the child or the family, grief and loss, depression and anxiety, relationship challenges, strengthening communication skills, and other stressful life events the individual or family may identify.
Nurse Consultation
Our nurse consultants have experience working with children with intellectual and developmental disabilities and complex medical needs. If there is a child that is in the process of hospital discharge, a nurse consultant can help with that process and transition back home. Nurses from St.Amant Jordan’s Principle collaborate with the healthcare team of the community. On First Nations, training can be provided for respite workers, extended family, or Child and Family Services staff. Scheduled reviews will be conducted with nurses at nursing stations, health centres, and home care.
Dietitians
Our dietitians have expertise in working with children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, but a diagnosis is not required. Dietitians support families to use affordable and traditional foods in a creative and healthy way. Typical referrals include challenging eating, highly selective eating, or working with families to create healthy eating and portions. Other reasons for referral include bowel issues, diabetes, celiac, or cardiovascular disease, guidance for weight loss or weight gain.
Psychometric Testing
Our psychometrists use standardized tests to determine eligibility for Community Living disability Services (CLdS). This service is primarily used for youth who choose live off-reserve as adults. Assessments that aim to assist the Supported Living Program in determining eligibility are completed for individuals aged 16 years and older. Youth referred for assessment will be placed on the wait-list until they have reached 16 years of age. A Community Service Worker or a Family Service Worker may apply for psychological testing. The CSP application form is available online.
Music Therapy
Our music therapists use music to support personal growth, health, and well-being. Some things that families work on in music therapy is using their voice or communication device to practice speech-focused goals, bonding with a new caregiver, increasing and maintaining range of motion in arms, and/or taking turns. Some of things you might see in a session include: playing instruments, dancing, and singing. Music therapy sessions are typically 30-45 minutes long and will vary from person-to-person. Our music therapist can also provide workshops explaining what Music Therapy is, Ways to use Music therapy at home and talk about Music and Emotions.
Unfortunately, Jordan lived his full 5 years inside of a hospital. He died in 2005.
Jordan’s Principle is a child first principle and legal rule named in memory of Jordan River Anderson. This young boy and his fight for equitable treatment lead the way to allow for First Nation and Inuit children to have the opportunity to receive sustainable equality through the Jordan’s Principle First initiative providing social, health and educational services. Today, we invite you to honour Jordan’s memory by taking time to learn about Jordan and Jordan’s Principle at the following links.
https://fncaringsociety.com
www.nfb.ca/film/Jordan-river-anderson-the-messenger/
Why is St.Amant involved with Jordan’s Principle?
We embrace the vision of Indigenous-led organizations that are delivering services to children and their families. St.Amant has a long history of supporting Indigenous people, both directly at the center as well as in the community. We work with individuals with varying abilities and are constantly focusing on helping children and clients to remain connected to their families and culture. We do not believe families should have to choose between where they live and having access to compassionate care for their child. St.Amant has a commitment to reconciliation and due to the high population of Indigenous people supported a unique program was developed to provide high quality and dignified care through a person centered approach.
Using our values of hospitality, excellence, and respect, we began collaborating with First Nations in Manitoba to begin the conversation about addressing needs that the communities had for their children and families. All children in Manitoba deserve quality care, regardless of where they live.
What does service look like with St.Amant Jordan’s Principle clinicians?
Service is predominantly provided in the community. Due to the current pandemic we have also included virtual services in our model, however our first priority is to come to the family. Goals are developed with the client while they are in a safe and comfortable environment.
Training and education, on a variety of topics, is available to communities upon request. Training can be provided in-person or virtually.
Direct services include: Psychology (Behavioural) Services, Psychometric testing to provincial adult disability services, Family Care Social Work, Counselling, Nurse Consultation, Dietitian Services, and Music Therapy.
If a family is interested in services, they can self-refer or connect with the local Jordan’s Principle team to fill out a referral form. The referral form is also available on the St.Amant website. www.stamant.ca/programs/jordansprinciple
What does each St.Amant Jordan’s Principle service area offer?
Psychology (Behaviour) Services
For children and youth who show challenging behaviour as defined by the caregiver. Typical referrals include support for child who demonstrate aggression, property destruction, self-injury, outbursts, difficulty with daily living skills, or difficulty communicating with others. Goals will be decided by the family to increase positive behaviours, promote independence, and improve the quality of life for the child. Clinicians within Psychology Services have experience working with children diagnosed with intellectual disabilities and autism. However, a diagnosis is not required for service.
Family Care Social Work
In the short term, our social workers aim to support families intensively by enhancing family functioning, prevent unplanned or emergency out-of-home placements, and support with navigating housing inquiries. Like all of St.Amant’s services, working with Family Care is voluntary. Some reasons for referrals may be bullying or difficulty making friends, communication barriers between caregiver and school, family breakdown, divorce or relocation, and navigating health systems.
Counselling Services
Our counsellors provide in-depth, non-crisis counselling. Sessions focus on helping the individual to understand themselves and their different emotions, talk about past trauma, work through grief and/or create bonds with others. Services are available to the child, parents, and other family members. Typical referral reasons include: impact of a disability on the child or the family, grief and loss, depression and anxiety, relationship challenges, strengthening communication skills, and other stressful life events the individual or family may identify.
Nurse Consultation
Our nurse consultants have experience working with children with intellectual and developmental disabilities and complex medical needs. If there is a child that is in the process of hospital discharge, a nurse consultant can help with that process and transition back home. Nurses from St.Amant Jordan’s Principle collaborate with the healthcare team of the community. On First Nations, training can be provided for respite workers, extended family, or Child and Family Services staff. Scheduled reviews will be conducted with nurses at nursing stations, health centres, and home care.
Dietitians
Our dietitians have expertise in working with children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, but a diagnosis is not required. Dietitians support families to use affordable and traditional foods in a creative and healthy way. Typical referrals include challenging eating, highly selective eating, or working with families to create healthy eating and portions. Other reasons for referral include bowel issues, diabetes, celiac, or cardiovascular disease, guidance for weight loss or weight gain.
Psychometric Testing
Our psychometrists use standardized tests to determine eligibility for Community Living disability Services (CLdS). This service is primarily used for youth who choose live off-reserve as adults. Assessments that aim to assist the Supported Living Program in determining eligibility are completed for individuals aged 16 years and older. Youth referred for assessment will be placed on the wait-list until they have reached 16 years of age. A Community Service Worker or a Family Service Worker may apply for psychological testing. The CSP application form is available online.
Music Therapy
Our music therapists use music to support personal growth, health, and well-being. Some things that families work on in music therapy is using their voice or communication device to practice speech-focused goals, bonding with a new caregiver, increasing and maintaining range of motion in arms, and/or taking turns. Some of things you might see in a session include: playing instruments, dancing, and singing. Music therapy sessions are typically 30-45 minutes long and will vary from person-to-person. Our music therapist can also provide workshops explaining what Music Therapy is, Ways to use Music therapy at home and talk about Music and Emotions.