Family Wellness
This page describes Family Wellness programs and services provided in Nunavut. There is a directory of Family Wellness Offices at the bottom of the page.
About the Family Wellness Division
The Family Wellness Division provides a range of supports to children, youth, families, women and adults. It also offers protection to children, youth, and offers extend supports and services for adults up to 26 years old.
The division assists individuals, families, groups, and communities to develop skills and make use of both personal and community resources to enhance their well-being.
The rest of this page describes some of the specific supports available from the Family Wellness Division.
By law in Nunavut, it is the duty of all individuals to report child abuse and/or neglect or the risk of child abuse and neglect. When concerned about the child and/or youth call your local Community Social Services Worker.
Ilagiitsiarniq – Family Wellness Strategic Plan
In May 2023, the Office of the Auditor General of Canada released a performance report on Nunavut’s child and family services, identifying its gaps and failures. In response, the Department of Family Services developed the Ilagiitsiarniq – Family Wellness Strategic Framework. The Strategic Framework outlines strategic priorities, principles, and targeted goals.
From June 15 to July 30, 2024, the Department of Family Services (DFS) held stakeholder meetings and public consultations in seven Nunavut communities to identify actionable steps for the development of the Ilagiitsiarniq Strategic Plan by using community feedback on the Framework. This Strategic Plan aims to improve existing protection and support services for families, youth, and children.
Family Wellness – Headquarters (HQ)
Family Wellness Headquarters is responsible for interpreting legislation and policy, as well as making recommendations. It also ensures territorial participation in all programs and services being delivered at the national level and provide training and communications materials for both staff and the public.
Child Protection Services
Child protection services are mandated services ensuring the safety of children and youth up to the age of 19 and may be extended to the age of 26. Child welfare provides programs and services to address safety and wellbeing. These services may include assessment, intervention, investigation, plan of care, service plan, foster and kin placement under the Child and Family Services Act.
Family Violence
Community Social Services Workers (CSSWs) provide family violence intervention services. This may include referral to other services and transportation to a safe location.
Family violence can have a serious impact on children and youth, extended family members, and elders. There are several options available for the support and protection of children and families. If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse or family violence, call your local Community Justice Outreach Worker, Community Social Services Worker, or Family Services office for support.
If you know of a person experiencing family violence now, call your local Family Services office or RCMP detachment.
Family Violence Shelters in Nunavut
There are four Family Violence Shelters for people who are fleeing abuse and family violence. Shelters are located in the following communities:
- Iqaluit, Qimavvik Shelter: (867) 979-4500
- Kugaaruk Family Violence Centre: (867) 769-6100
- Kugluktuk Women’s Crisis Centre: (867) 982-3210
- Rankin Inlet, Kataujaq Society Shelter: (867) 645-2214
If there is no family violence shelter in your community, your CSSW will assist you to get to the nearest place of safety.
Adoption
Under the Adoption Act, Children and Family Services is responsible for adoptions in the territory. The department provides support to Custom Adoption Commissioners under the Aboriginal Custom Adoption Recognition Act.
The Department of Family Services’ CSSWs work with birth parents to support them through the adoption process:
- CSSWs support birth parents in finding adoptee parents interested in a private adoption, and ensure both birth parents and adoptee parents follow the Adoption Act;
- CSSWs will educate birth parents about the appropriate processes to follow, when trying to find private adoptee parents; and
- Birth parents can also pursue a departmental adoption when they do not want to find adoptee parents. In this case, the child becomes the custodial responsibility of the Director of Children and Families, and the Department is responsible for finding adoptive parents.
As per the Adoption Act, the Department must consult with Regional Inuit Associations (RIAs) when the adoption of an Inuk child is taking place. This consultation can only take place with the consent of the parent, or child, where the child has attained the age of 12 years.
Foster Care
Foster care in Nunavut is provided by extended family (Kinship care) and by pre-approved foster homes. Foster placements can be flexible arrangements: short-term; emergencies; or longer-term, until the child’s own home is safe or alternate arrangements are made. Kinship care providers are considered as foster parents.
The criteria for becoming an extended family foster placement or pre-approved foster parent include being able to provide a safe, caring home for a child or youth, and being able to fulfill the foster parent roles and responsibilities outlined in the Review of the provides additional helpful information and resources.
To become a foster parent, interested applicants are required to complete a Foster Parent Application Form, complete a Medical Examination at your local hospital or health centre, submit a Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check, provide references, and work with a Community Social Service Worker to complete a home study.
For more information, contact your Community Social Services Office.
Social Advocacy
This program provides Grants and Contributions that support the Qulliit Nunavut Status of Women Council, the Nunavummi Disabilities Makinnasuaqtiit Society (NDMS), Rick Hansen Foundation, Women’s Initiatives Grants, and Men and Boys’ Initiatives Grants.
Contact
The Government of Nunavut has a decentralized structure. The Department of Family Services (FS) is located across Nunavut, offering services in each of the 25 communities. The three regional offices are located in Pangnirtung, Cambridge Bay and Rankin Inlet.
FS Headquarters is located in Iqaluit. There are three Client Liaison Officer positions located out-of-territory in Ottawa, Ontario; Edmonton, Alberta; and Winnipeg, Manitoba. Two-thirds of the Department’s resources are assigned to the communities in Nunavut.
Nunavut has three regions from west to east: Kitikmeot, Kivalliq, and Qikiqtaaluk/Baffin. To serve the communities of each region, the regional offices are divided into four: Kitikmeot, Kivalliq, North Baffin, and South Baffin.
Iqaluit Headquarters – 1-(867) 975-5200
Kitikmeot – 1-800-661-0845
Kivalliq – 1-800-953-8516
Qikiqtani – 1-800-567-1514
Family Wellness Office Directory
Use the directory below. If you are unsure of the community where the child resides, contact us at 1 844 FW CHILD. If you are concerned about the services that child or youth are receiving or have comments or compliments to share, contact us at 1 855 522-5201 or email us at PublicRelationsFS@gov.nu.ca
Arctic Bay
Family Wellness Office: (867) 439-8812
Call your local RCMP – (867) 439-1111
Arviat
Family Wellness Office: (867) 857-3102
Family Wellness Emergency: (867) 857-6871
Baker Lake
Family Wellness Office: (867) 793-2839
Family Wellness Emergency: (867) 793-5126
Cambridge Bay
Family Wellness Office: (867) 983-4071
Family Wellness Emergency: (867) 983-5199
Cape Dorset
Family Wellness Office: (867) 897-3637
Call your local RCMP – (867) 897-1111
Chesterfield Inlet
Family Wellness Office: (867) 898-9131
Family Wellness Emergency: (867)793-5126
Call your local RCMP – (867) 898-1111
Clyde River
Family Wellness Office: (867) 924-6014
Call your local RCMP – (867) 924-1111
Coral Harbour
Family Wellness Office: (867) 925-8431
Family Wellness Emergency: (867)645-6756
Call your local RCMP: (867) 925-1111
Gjoa Haven
Family Wellness Office: (867) 360-6406/(867)360-6407
Family Wellness Emergency: (867)222-3906
Call your local RCMP – (867) 360-1111
Grise Fiord
Family Wellness Office: (867) 980-4020
Call your local RCMP – (867) 252-1111
Hall Beach
Family Wellness Office: (867) 928-8938
Children and Family Emergency: (867) 928-8953
Igloolik
Family Wellness Office: (867) 934-2120
Children and Family Emergency: (867) 934-2119
Call your local RCMP – (867) 934-1111
Iqaluit
Family Wellness Office: (867) 975-5777
Family Wellness Emergency: (867) 979-5650
Kimmirut
Family Wellness Office: (867) 939-2226
Call your local RCMP – (867) 939-1111
Kugaaruk
Family Wellness Office: (867) 769-7999
Family Wellness Emergency: (867)222-3952
Call your local RCMP – (867) 769-1111
Kugluktuk
Family Wellness Office: (867) 982-7411 or (867) 982-3465
Family Wellness Emergency: (867) 982-2998
Naujaat
Family Wellness Office: (867) 462-4020
Family Wellness Emergency: (867)222-1385
Call your local RCMP – (867) 462-1111
Pangnirtung
Family Wellness Office: (867) 473-8944
Call your local RCMP – (867) 473-1111
Pond Inlet
Family Wellness Office: (867) 899-7502
Call your local RCMP – (867) 899-1111
Qikiqtarjuaq
Family Wellness Office: (867) 927-8863
Call your local RCMP – (867) 927-1111
Rankin Inlet
Family Wellness Office: (867) 645-5064
Children and Family Services Emergency: (867) 645-7608
Resolute Bay
Family Wellness Office: (867) 252-3113
Call your local RCMP – (867) 252-1111
Sanikiluaq
Family Wellness Office: (867) 266-8738
Call your local RCMP – (867) 266-8233
Taloyoak
Family Wellness Office: (867) 561-5331 Ext 4 or 7
Family Wellness Emergency: (867) 222 9465
Call your local RCMP – (867) 561-1111
Whale Cove
Family Wellness Office: (867) 896-9062
Family Wellness Emergency: (867) 896-1111