What BTAHS Proposes to do:
Beneficial to community:
BTAHS was created for families and individuals wanting or needing to address child protection issues, substance use issues, violence (domestic or non-domestic) issues, mental illness issues, and any other issue they might be enduring. BTAHS will explore with families and individuals how to provide safe and nurturing environments for all members involved without judgment, and within their cultural values. BTAHS will work with families and individuals who do or do not have Child and Youth Services involvement. Families will be able to access BTAHS by telephone, and within pre-arranged face to face appointments. Referrals will not be required by other agencies. BTAHS will provide resources for other needed supports, advocates and advisors when necessary. BTAHS is currently developing and offering spiritual and healing methods (based on holistic, harm reduction, and restorative counseling theories) to address family crisis's, and conflicts. Current developments include facilitating a series of talking and healing circles within families to address issues they are facing, creating safety/prevention plans, and preserving family connections. These processes will include a number of teaching strategies in-order for families and individuals to implement these methods within their families independently in their future. Each family will create individual circles that include their family members, supporters, BTAHS representatives, and any elders/spiritual advisors the family may want to invite. BTAHS will provide these services to individuals and their families within the community, or their homes. Community settings may be space donated or rented by schools, other organizations, or businesses. For example a healing circle may be conducted in a school gym at a small fee.
Relief of Poverty:
BTAHS proposes to have clothing and non-perishable food exchanges that will be donated by members and non-members of BTAHS. BTAHS will store items donated in the BTAHS office and deliver them to those in need as the issues arise. BTAHS will provide free transportation to other resources and social agencies that provides help for families in need. For example a BTAHS representative may drive a family to a food bank, or low income housing corporation.
The Advancement of Education:
BTAHS proposes to conduct qualitative and participatory research regarding the practices and outcomes of the healing methods being delivered. BTAHS will publish their findings for educational, professional, and public viewing through the Internet, and by distributing printed copies at request. This research will be sent to the Alberta College of Social Workers to be reviewed for creditability and legitimacy to the Social Work and counseling professions. These reports will also, be distributed to leaders and elders of Aboriginal communities for creditability and legitimacy.
