First Nations Child and Family Services Settlement

/in /by

May 14, 2025

RE: First Nations Child and Family Services Settlement: Eligibility & Application Summary

The following memorandum briefly summarizes the eligibility criteria and application process for the recently established First Nations Child and Family Services and Jordan’s Principle Settlement.

 

  1. WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

Removed Child Class

First Nations individuals who:

  • Were removed from their homes between April 1, 1991, and March 31, 2022, while under the age of majority (19 in New Brunswick).
  • Were removed while they or at least one caregiving parent/grandparent was ordinarily resident on reserve or living in Yukon.
  • Had their placement funded by Indigenous Services Canada.

Removed Child Family Class

Caregiving parents (biological, adoptive, or First Nations stepparents) or caregiving grandparents who:

  • Lived with, assumed and exercised parental responsibilities over the removed child at the time of removal.
  • Were the ones from whom the child was first removed.
  • Were not foster parents.
  • Did not commit abuse that led to the child’s removal.

 

  1. APPLICATION DEADLINES

For Adults (Age of majority and above when claims opened on March 10, 2025):

  • Deadline: March 10, 2028 (11:59 p.m. PT).
  • One-year extension may be granted in special circumstances.

For Minors:

  • Can submit claims up to 2 years before reaching age of majority
  • Once reaching age of majority, you have 3 years to submit a claim
  • Claims will only be processed once they reach Age of Majority

For Representatives of Deceased Claimants:

  • If claimant died before March 10, 2025: Deadline is March 10, 2028
  • If claimant died after March 10, 2025 while under the age of majority: 3 years from date of death

 

  1. APPLICATION PROCESS

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

  • For all applicants: Government-issued ID (photocopy, scan, or photo).
  • Mailing address.
  • Bank account information (if choosing direct deposit).
  • Additional documents for specific situations: For non-First Nations or non-biological caregivers: Proof of relationship (birth certificates, adoption papers, marriage documents).
  • For representatives of deceased claimants: Death certificate, proof of representative status.
  • For representatives of persons under disability: Legal documentation proving authority to represent.

Step 2: Complete Appropriate Claim Form at https://portal.fnchildclaims.ca/ (Create account)

Removed Child Class:

  • Form A: For individuals filing their own claims or representatives of persons under disability.
  • Form B: For representatives of deceased removed children.

Removed Child Family Class:

  • Form C: For caregivers filing their own claims or representatives of persons under disability
  • Form D: For representatives of deceased caregivers

Step 3: Submit Your Claim

 

  1. COMPENSATION INFORMATION

Removed Child Class

  • Payments up to $40,000 per eligible Removed Child
  • Exceptional early payments may be available for minors with terminal conditions

Removed Child Family Class

  • Payments up to $40,000 per eligible associated Removed Child
  • Up to two caregivers can receive compensation for the same child
  • Caregivers with multiple removed children may receive up to $80,000

 

  1. SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

For Representatives of Deceased Claimants:

  • With Grant of Authority (will/estate): Payment to “estate of” the deceased
  • Without Grant of Authority: Payment to highest priority living heir(s) Priority order: 1) Spouse, 2) Children, 3) Grandchildren, 4) Parents, 5) Siblings, 6) Grandparents

For Representatives of Persons Under Disability:

  • Must have court-appointed status (Power of Attorney, Protection Mandate, etc.)
  • Payment issued in name of claimant but sent to representative’s attention

Additional Support Available

  • Administrator assistance: 1-833-852-0755
  • Missing information must be provided within 6 months of request

 

Thank you,

Schawn Boucher

Director

Ugpi’ganjig Child & Family Services