The Facilitator’s primary role is to mediate. The facilitator needs to be neutral, skilled, repectful and professional.
The Talking Circle program provides Family Services Workers with a case planning tool when working with families. The process brings all stakeholders together working towards mutually agreed upon goals that would optimally: Identify alternate care resources, Minimize risks that deem child(ren) in need of protection therefore returning child(ren) home, Provide planning options for long term care.
The process creates trust and assists in forming relationships that are co-operative and open. The circle also promotes accountablity, ownership, empowerment and focuses on issues while removing the “power dynamic”.
There are 3 Talking CIrcle Facilitators for the whole southern province. We also have an Elders’ program the families to attend the many ceremonies. Our elders also do the 1-1 traditional counselling. In addition, we provide ceremonial supplies such as sweetgrass and sage for the families who are participating.
