b'Steps toward Reconciliation Working together to P eel CAS took important steps forward thisAs a culturally grounded agency centered infight Human traffickingyear in our commitment to the Truth andIndigenous worldviews, we are honoured to Reconciliation Commission of Canadaswalk in relationship with Peel CAS to provideH uman trafficking is a growing problem Calls to Action. As an agency, we recognize theculturally appropriate services to Indigenousin Peel Region, and around the world. harm that the child welfare sector has inflictedchildren and families in the Peel region. ThisTraffickers control and exploit their on Indigenous families over generations, and weagreement represents another important stepvictims, forcing them to work and subjecting are partnering with Indigenous communities andtowards ensuring that all Indigenous childrenthem to psychological and physical abuse. In organizations to be a part of the solution. and families in Ontario have access to programsour region, sex trafficking is the most common and services that are led and delivered byform of human trafficking, with the majority of Service Agreement with nativeIndigenous agencies, said Dr. Jeffrey Schiffer,victims being young women and girls. According Child and Family Services toronto Executive Director of NCFST. to Ontarios Human Trafficking Strategy, the As we continue to build this relationship, weaverage age of recruitment into sex trafficking is In November 2021, Peel CAS and Native Child andare working together to ensure that Indigenous13 years old. Family Services Toronto (NCFST) signed a newchildren, youth, and families in Peel receive agreement to provide culturally appropriate ChildCases involving human trafficking can be and Family Well-being (child welfare) and Holisticservices that best meet their needs and preservecomplex to navigate. Traffickers prey on the (prevention services) supports for First Nations,their cultural connections.most vulnerable individuals, disproportionately Inuit and Metis (FNIM) individuals that we serve.impacting Indigenous, Black, and 2SLGBTQ+ partnership with Aboriginal legalindividuals. Children and youth involved in This agreement is a critical step forward in our goal to ensure that all Indigenous children, youthServices child welfare are also at an increased risk. TheA Dangerous Situationand families have access to culturally appropriateProvince of Ontario recognized the challenges services provided by an Indigenous well-beingAboriginal Legal Services, with whom we beganfaced by Childrens Aid Societies dealing withMonique* was in a dangerous situation when she agency in Peel. to work with at the beginning of 2021, continuehuman trafficking cases and passed newcalled her CAS worker for help. Her trafficker to facilitate all our Traditional Talking Circleslegislation to enhance our ability to respondwas at her house, threatening the safety of The formal agreement between our organizationswith our Indigenous families. The Circleseffectively, and support survivors and theirherself and her family. Her worker had helped will ensure that all children, youth andprovide families with a safe space with a goalfamilies. The new legislation allows CASs toMonique escape this man before and was now families who identify as Indigenous have theof developing a plan that will meet childrensbetter document human trafficking concerns, toable to use the new powers granted by the choice to receive service from NCFST in Peelneeds in a culturally relevant and integral way. intervene in cases involving youth who are 16 orprovince to help her again. Region.There is a coordinated approach to the17 years old to protect their safety, and to offer transfer process which includes working withWe are pleased to announce that our workongoing financial support and resources to youthThe worker intervened immediately, removing the individuals, community partners and thewith Aboriginal Legal Services is expanding.attempting to leave a trafficking situation.Monique from her familys home and arranging Indigenous community including a Band, NationThey are now available every Tuesday foraccommodation for her at a safe house provided or Association. consultation, guidance and support to our staff.Our agencys internal Human Traffickingby the Elizabeth Fry Society. Monique accepted a They are assisting us with our communicationscommittee was created more than two years agotemporary Voluntary Youth Services Agreement with different First Nations and Indigenousto address this growing problem, and it playedso that she could live independently with communities, engaging with families and inan important role this year in educating stafffinancial assistance from Peel CAS while her developing cultural plans.about the legislative changes. The committeeworker connected her to community resources has created and facilitated training aroundand support. We look forward to continuing to buildhuman trafficking for more than 300 staff meaningful relationships with First Nations,and foster caregivers, consulted on cases, andMonique ultimately returned to her family home Inuit and Metis communities and organizationsproduced helpful resources for workers andand Peel CAS continues to work with her and to foster respectful dialogue, and honour thefamilies. Representatives include both front-lineher family to educate them about the realities cultural safety of Indigenous children, youthand management colleagues, who are part ofof human trafficking, and plan for their ongoing and families in Peel. numerous community tables and committeessafety. across the GTA that work together to combat human trafficking and support survivors. *Not her real name10 Peel Childrens Aid Society Annual Report 2021-2022 11'