The Lac La Ronge Indian Band has become the first band in the province to offer child and family services both on- and off-reserve.
Social Services Minister June Draude was in La Ronge today to officially sign the new agreement with the Lac La Ronge Indian Child and Family Services Agency.
As of October 1st, the agency has been offering child protection and foster care services to off-reserve residents in La Ronge, Air Ronge, Pinehouse, Brabant Lake, Southend and Stanley Mission.
Chief Tammy Cook-Searson says no longer will issues of jurisdiction interfere with child welfare, since child protection workers will now have the option of placing children with extended family living off-reserve.
The new interim arrangement will be fully implemented by December 1st.
The band’s child and family services agency has been offering after-hours emergency services to off-reserve residents since January 2011.