Doulas for Aboriginal Families
Grant Program
What is a doula? What are some benefits of doula services?
How can I access doula services?
Important Questions
Doula ServicesDoulas provide continuous emotional, physical, spiritual and informational supports for mothers and families during pregnancy, labour and after birth.
• Decision-making• Advocacy• Interpersonal
communication• Resources on pregnancy,
labour and after birth • Breast feeding• Client autonomy (strength
and place of power)• Cultural supports• Referrals for additional
supports • Basic counseling
Doula Services
2007 - Tripartite First Nations Health Plan
Action Item: “Maternity Access Project will be implemented to improve
maternal health services for Aboriginal women and families and bring birth “closer to home and back into the hands of women.”
2008/2009 – Implement Maternity Access Project:
FNHA and BCAAFC partner to support the development and the implementation of:
Doula training and certification Doulas for Aboriginal Families Grant Program
How did this program come to be?
The goal of this program is to increase healthy birth outcomes for Aboriginal families by removing the cost barrier for them to access prenatal, birth, and postpartum supports from a qualified doula.
To collect information from families and doulas to strengthen the program and demonstrate the positive impact doulas have on families.
“Pregnancy is a special time for families and it is important that we make sure that Aboriginal
families have the appropriate supports they need to feel comfortable and confident during their
journey.”
Program Objectives
Who is eligible to apply? Either parent self-identifies as Aboriginal (First Nations, Metis and Inuit)
Must live in BC (and reside either on or off reserve)
Criteria
Process MapDoulas for Aboriginal Families
(Grant Program)
Complete and Submit Application
Pre-approval
Service
Submit Invoice
Payment Administered
Applications
Doula Service Provider Request pre-
approval form Certification: formal
doula training, DONA Certification or proof of BC Doula Membership
Complete and submit application
Women and Families Request pre-approval
form that will include: Client information Support
organization/program (recommended)
Doula Support (if applicable)
Signatures Complete and submit
form
Doulas must: Submit a final invoice for services to BCAAFC for final
payment
Approved Applications: An email will be sent to the doula informing them of their
approved application and services that will be covered by this grant program
Payment Administered: A signed letter from the Doulas for Aboriginal Families Grant
Program Administrator will accompany payment and include: Services rendered Amount administered
After submission of Applications
Where is the funding coming from?
This program is being supported by the BC Ministry of Health, in partnership with FNHA and the BCAAFC.
How much is available per application?
Maximum of $1000.00 per pregnancy. Payment will be administered and will take approximately 2-3 weeks to receive payment.
Funding Details
Amanda Engen
Doulas for Aboriginal Families Program Administrator
BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres
T: 250-388-5522
F: 250-388-5502
Toll-Free: 1-800-990-2432
www.bcaafc.com
Doulas for Aboriginal Families Contact Information