Founder & President Christian R. Brown
Christian R. Brown, founder and President of Indigenous Youth Services, leads an organization dedicated to providing culturally sensitive support for Indigenous youth. Christian, a First Nations from Skidegate in Haida Gwaii, BC, brings deep cultural insight to his mission.
Awards
Winner of the 2024 Jordan James Pickell Mental Health Achievement Recognition Award
This award is presented to an organization who has made outstanding contributions to mental health education and anti-stigma activities and that have had a positive impact on the mental health community. Specifically, by actively engaging students and staff in understanding and accepting mental illness and the importance of mental health.
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Mission
Our mission is centered on empowering Indigenous youth to overcome the unique challenges they face and flourish as individuals within their communities. Recognizing the historical and ongoing systemic barriers that disproportionately affect Indigenous youth, our aim is to provide them with a safe, supportive, and culturally inclusive envi
Our mission is centered on empowering Indigenous youth to overcome the unique challenges they face and flourish as individuals within their communities. Recognizing the historical and ongoing systemic barriers that disproportionately affect Indigenous youth, our aim is to provide them with a safe, supportive, and culturally inclusive environment where they can thrive.
Through our comprehensive programs and services, we strive to address the multifaceted needs of Indigenous youth and promote their holistic well-being. Our approach is rooted in a deep respect for their cultural heritage, traditions, and values. We believe that by honoring and incorporating their cultural identity, we can empower Indigenous youth to develop a strong sense of self-worth, resilience, and pride in their heritage.
At the heart of our mission is a commitment to fostering self-determination and self-advocacy among Indigenous youth. We work collaboratively with them, their families, and their communities to co-create personalized plans that reflect their unique aspirations, strengths, and challenges. By involving them actively in the decision-making process, we aim to promote their agency and ensure that our interventions are meaningful and relevant to their lives.
We recognize that the journey towards empowering Indigenous youth is not a solitary one. It requires forging partnerships with Indigenous communities, elders, and leaders to ensure that our programs are culturally responsive and aligned with community needs. By collaborating with local organizations and agencies, we leverage collective wisdom, resources, and expertise to create a comprehensive support network for Indigenous youth.
Our commitment extends beyond immediate outcomes. We are dedicated to nurturing long-term, sustainable change in the lives of Indigenous youth. By equipping them with the necessary skills, knowledge, and opportunities, we aim to break the cycles of intergenerational trauma and create a pathway for future success and leadership within their communities.
Ultimately, our mission is to champion the rights, well-being, and empowerment of Indigenous youth. We strive to create a society where they are valued, respected, and provided with equal opportunities to thrive. Through our unwavering dedication, cultural sensitivity, and collaborative approach, we aim to make a lasting impact on the lives of Indigenous youth, helping them build a brighter and more promising future.
Method
Our organization is dedicated to implementing professional, individualized, and culturally inclusive support methods for Indigenous youth with complex behavioral and support needs. We are committed to revolutionizing the youth care system by providing specialized evidence-based care that is tailored to meet the unique requirements of thi
Our organization is dedicated to implementing professional, individualized, and culturally inclusive support methods for Indigenous youth with complex behavioral and support needs. We are committed to revolutionizing the youth care system by providing specialized evidence-based care that is tailored to meet the unique requirements of this population.
Central to our approach is a focus on delivering results-focused interventions that address the underlying emotional and behavioral response pathways of Indigenous youth. We recognize the importance of identifying and targeting these pathways to facilitate genuine and lasting positive change at a foundational level. By understanding and addressing the root causes of their challenges, we aim to promote transformative growth that can endure throughout their lifetime.
Our methods are rooted in a strong evidence base, drawing from the latest research and best practices in the field. We continuously strive to stay updated on advancements in clinical knowledge and integrate them into our approach to ensure the highest quality of care. By employing evidence-based interventions, we can provide Indigenous youth with effective and proven strategies for overcoming their behavioral and support needs.
Cultural inclusivity is a fundamental principle in all aspects of our work. We recognize the importance of honoring and respecting the unique cultural identities, traditions, and values of Indigenous youth. Our programs are designed to be culturally sensitive and responsive, taking into account the specific needs and strengths of each individual. By incorporating culturally appropriate practices and involving Indigenous communities in the planning and implementation of our services, we aim to create a supportive and empowering environment for Indigenous youth.
Collaboration and interdisciplinary teamwork are integral components of our approach. We bring together a diverse team of professionals, including psychologists, social workers, counselors, and other specialists, to provide comprehensive and holistic care. By pooling our expertise and working collaboratively, we can develop comprehensive treatment plans that address the multifaceted needs of Indigenous youth.
Through our commitment to professional, individualized, results-focused, and culturally inclusive support, we aspire to make a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of Indigenous youth. We recognize the importance of tailoring our interventions to the unique needs and strengths of each individual, and we are dedicated to fostering their growth, well-being, and resilience. Our ultimate goal is to empower Indigenous youth to overcome challenges, thrive in their communities, and build a positive and promising future.
Model
Model
Our programs are grounded in compassionate, client-centered, culturally supportive, and results-focused approaches that aim to facilitate individual growth, autonomy, and positive change. We prioritize the well-being and unique needs of each client, providing them with a supportive and nurturing environment for their personal development.
Central to our approach is a deep commitment to compassion, recognizing the importance of empathy, understanding, and non-judgmental support in the therapeutic process. We strive to create a safe and trusting space where clients feel heard, valued, and respected. By fostering a compassionate atmosphere, we aim to establish a strong therapeutic alliance that promotes collaboration and empowers clients to actively participate in their own journey towards positive change.
Client-centeredness is a fundamental principle that guides our interventions. We believe that clients are the experts of their own experiences and possess inherent strengths and resources that can contribute to their growth. Our programs are tailored to the unique needs, preferences, and goals of each client, ensuring that their individuality is honored and their voices are heard. By actively involving clients in the decision-making process, we empower them to take ownership of their therapeutic journey and make informed choices that align with their values and aspirations.
Cultural support and sensitivity are integral components of our programs. We recognize the diverse cultural backgrounds and identities of our clients, including the importance of cultural values, traditions, and beliefs in shaping their experiences. We strive to create an inclusive and culturally affirming environment where clients feel validated and understood. By integrating culturally appropriate practices and being attuned to the cultural nuances of our clients, we aim to ensure that their unique cultural perspectives are respected and incorporated into their therapeutic experience.
Our programs are specifically designed to produce tangible results and meaningful outcomes. We employ evidence-based interventions and utilize outcome measures to track progress and evaluate the effectiveness of our approaches. By focusing on measurable goals and objectives, we aim to maximize the impact of our interventions and facilitate positive changes that are meaningful and sustainable for our clients.
Ultimately, our programs seek to empower individuals to achieve personal growth, enhance their autonomy, and foster positive change in their lives. Through our compassionate, client-centered, culturally supportive, and results-focused approaches, we strive to create a therapeutic environment that promotes well-being, resilience, and the realization of each client's full potential.
Being the Difference
Generating Systematic Change
As an organization dedicated to addressing the mental health crisis affecting Indigenous youth throughout Canada and the United States, we have recognized the need for comprehensive solutions that go beyond traditional foster and group home models. We have implemented innovative support programs such as our treatment homes, In-Home behavioral support, and childcare agency consulting services to provide specialized care and support to Indigenous youth and their families.
Our treatment homes offer a unique and supportive environment that is tailored to the specific needs of each youth. We understand that traditional foster and group home models often fall short in providing the specialized care and support that Indigenous youth require. That's why our team of experienced professionals provides personalized care and support to help youth build essential life skills, foster independence, and develop a sense of community and belonging. We recognize that a strong sense of community and connection to culture is crucial to the healing and growth of Indigenous youth, and our treatment homes provide a safe and supportive space for youth to reconnect with their culture and traditions.
Our In-Home behavioral support program is designed to provide individualized care and support to Indigenous youth in the comfort of their own homes. We understand that youth are often more comfortable and receptive to treatment when they are in familiar surroundings and close to their families and communities. Our team of trained professionals is equipped to support a wide range of behavioral and developmental conditions, including autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety disorders, and depression. We work closely with families and communities to provide culturally responsive care that is tailored to the unique needs of each youth. Our In-Home behavioral support program focuses on keeping families together. We understand that many Indigenous youth are placed in care due to complex family situations, and we believe that supporting families is an essential part of our work. Our team of professionals works closely with families and communities to provide comprehensive support that addresses the root causes of the youth's behavior, while also helping families build the skills and knowledge necessary to provide ongoing support within the home.
We also offer childcare agency consulting services to help other organizations better serve indigenous youth in their care. Our team of experts provides guidance and support in implementing evidence-based practices that promote positive outcomes for youth. By partnering with us, agencies can improve the quality of care they provide and ensure that Indigenous youth receive the specialized support they need to succeed. Our consulting services are designed to be flexible and tailored to the specific needs of each organization, ensuring that we can provide the most effective support possible.
Compared to traditional foster and group home models, our support programs are equipped with the resources and expertise necessary to address the unique needs of indigenous youth. We recognize the importance of culturally responsive care and work closely with our communities to provide care that is respectful, compassionate, and effective. We believe that every youth deserves the opportunity to thrive, and our programs are designed to provide the highest quality of care and support possible.
We are dedicated to providing comprehensive support to Indigenous youth and their families. Our treatment homes, In-Home behavioral support, and childcare agency consulting services are designed to be flexible, culturally responsive, and effective. We recognize the importance of keeping families together and work closely with communities to provide the support necessary to ensure that Indigenous youth have the opportunity to thrive. We believe that by working together, we can make a significant impact on the mental health and well-being of Indigenous youth in Canada and the United States.
