FAQs
Below are some questions that are frequently asked of us. While some relate to services that our Authority doesn't offer directly, they are useful to know and will hopefully help to clear up some of the confusion about the services we do offer.
I want to adopt a child. Where can I get more information?
You can speak to Anneka Westergreen at (867) 873-7714, Foster Parent and Adoptions Social Worker. Or you can contact the Department of Health and Social Services' Adoptions Consultant, Laura Comishen, at (867) 873-7943.
I have just been diagnosed with breast cancer. Where can I get more information?
You can speak to the Breast Health Patient Navigator, Nancy Cymbalisty RN. The Navigator is dedicated to guiding women and their families through their breast cancer journey, from investigation of abnormalities and diagnosis, through completion of treatment. You can reach Nancy at Stanton Territorial Hospital at (867) 445-4860 or by e-mail at nancy_cymbalisty@gov.nt.ca. NO REFERRAL is necessary. For more information click here.
I suspect child abuse. Where can I phone for more information?
You can call our 24-hour emergency contact line at (867) 445-1092. All calls are kept confidential. Our primary focus is the safety of a child, and our intake and investigation team is very experienced at assessing potential risks.
Confidentiality: Do YHSSA staff report what is heard to child protection workers?
All discussions with our therapists, nurses, physicians and all other staff are confidential and will not be shared without your prior knowledge and consent. There are limits of confidentiality which have been dictated by law, however. These limits state that a therapist cannot keep information about self harm, harm to others, or information about child abuse and neglect confidential. Also, if your file is subpoenaed for legal purposes, the YHSSA is required to release your file.
What kind of counselling does the YHSSA offer?
We offer individual, couple, family and group counselling. Call (867) 920-6522 for further information.
Do I need a doctor to refer me to counselling?
No, anyone can refer himself/herself at any time. We do receive doctor referrals, however, and if you would like your family doctor to be involved (if there is medication/assessment involved) with the counselling, then you will be asked to sign a form to release/obtain information at the first session.
How much does it cost for counselling?
If you are a student or are unemployed, there is no fee for our services. Otherwise, we base the fees on a sliding scale. The scale considers the gross annual household income, and how many people depend on that income. Our top amount per session is $75.00.
How can I initiate counselling?
Call our Family Counselling Services at (867) 920-6522. You will be asked for all the information necessary to get you started. Once we have all the information, your name will go on our waiting list. Twice a week, the counsellors get together and review the cases on the waiting list, and decide together who will be suited to counsel each client. When your name reaches the top of the list, we will call you and set up the first appointment.
How can I find a family doctor?
YHSSA has an online patient registry form. Simply enter your information and you will be contacted in 2 business days.
You can also call any of our clinics listed below:
| Gibson Medical Clinic Box 780 4920 - 47th Street YELLOWKNIFE NT X1A 2N6 Phone: (867) 873-5895 |
Great Slave Community Health Clinic 5005 - 53rd Street YELLOWKNIFE NT X1A 1V5 Phone: (867) 920-4211 |
| Family Medical Clinic Tundra Building Box 1559 YELLOWKNIFE NT X1A 2P2 Phone: (867) 873-5881 |
Frame Lake Community Health Clinic Frame Lake Plaza 312B Old Airport Road YELLOWKNIFE NT X1A 3T3 Phone: (867) 873-3512 |
I am interested in becoming a foster parent who do I contact?
Call and speak to Foster Care & Adoptions Social Worker Anneka Westergreen at 873-7714, or Children’s Services Supervisor Elizabeth Jackson at 873-7096.
I am a single parent, can I still foster children?
Yes, a single parent or single person can certainly apply to become a foster parent.
I live in an apartment, can I still foster children or do I need to have a house?
Yes, foster parents can reside in an apartment, townhouse, trailer, house, etc.
I have a criminal record. Can I still apply to become a foster parent?
Yes, you may apply. The criminal record will be discussed and depending on the circumstances and the offence, you may still be approved to foster children.
I am in a stable same-sex relationship. Can we still foster children?
Yes, we make no distinction between opposite sex couples and same sex couples.
I’ve never parented children before. Can I still become a foster parent?
Yes, you certainly can. We will provide you with support and guidance to help you become comfortable in providing care to children.
How long does the process take to become an approved foster parent?
Once you have your required documents completed (criminal record check, medical exam, and 3 references) I can set up an appointment for a homestudy typically within a week or less. Within a week after that appointment, you could reasonably expect to have children placed in your home.
What types of fostering opportunities are there?
You can apply to provide full-time foster care, temporary foster care, respite foster care, emergency foster care, or child specific foster care for a relative or family friend.
I have past involvement with a child protection agency. Does that mean I can never foster children?
It would depend on the circumstances of your involvement, and the length of time since the last involvement with a child protection agency. You would simply need to sign a consent form to access to your child protection file, and we would discuss the involvement.
Is there an age requirement to foster children?
While there is not specific age listed, we would typically like to see foster parents who are mature enough to provide care to children. We would also like to see foster parents who are still young enough to have the energy for children placed in their home.
Do I have to be of Aboriginal background to foster Aboriginal children?
No. While it is often preferable to place children in a culturally appropriate home, we do recognize that non-Aboriginals can certainly provide children with a safe and loving home.
Are foster parents paid to care for the children?
Yes, there are daily rates paid to foster parents. Other items for the children are also reimbursed to foster parents such as bicycles, camp fees, and clothing.
Is there training offered?
Yes, there are regular offerings throughout the year for foster parents such as PRIDE (Parent Resource for Information, Development, Education), and FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder).
What supports are available for foster parents?
The Yellowknife Foster Family Association is available to provide support to foster parents through their resource library, linking you with other foster parents in the area, and the services of a Foster Parent Support Worker. You may also contact the Federation of Foster Families to see what they can offer.
Can I apply to foster online?
Although you cannot apply directly online, the forms to apply are available on this website here:
You can print them, fill them out and bring them to the 2nd floor of the Jan Stirling, attention to the Foster Care & Adoptions Social Worker (Anneka Westergreen).
*Please note that the letter which requests the RCMP waive the fees for the criminal record check must have an original signature on it by a YHSSA staff. Please bring to the YHSSA office to have it signed before bringing to the detachment.
As well, please print three (3) copies of the reference form as three references are required. You do not need to wait for your references to return their forms to you in order to submit your application. Your references can submit, in-person or mail their forms separately.
Application Packages are also available for pick-up from the front desk at the 2nd floor of the Jan Stirling building.
Il y a-t-il un médecin qui parle français?
Dr. Affleck peut voir des patients qui souhaitent reçevoir des services en français.
| Great Slave Community Health Clinic 5005 - 53rd Street YELLOWKNIFE NT X1A 1V5 Phone: (867) 920-4211 |
Peut-on avoir accès à des services en français?
La Coordonnatrice de services de langue française peut vous aider à reçevoir des services en français.
Charles
Pitre
Phone: (867) 669-4300
Après les heures de service: (867) 445-8814
Is there a walk-in clinic in Yellowknife?
There is a walk-in clinic on Tuesdays during the day from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Centre For Northern Families (formerly - Yellowknife Women's Centre). There is a nurse practitioner and a doctor there to see patients. No appointment is necessary. Men, women and children are welcome.
If you know your Health Care Card Number or can bring your Health Care Card, please do so.
The Centre for Northern Families (Women's Centre) is located at 5610 Franklin Avenue. Phone Number (867) 873-2566.
Where can I apply for NWT Health Care Coverage?
Applications for NWT Health Care can be obtained from any one of the four medical clinics in Yellowknife or from the Department of Health and Social Services' Vital Statistics Bureau in Inuvik. Call 1-800-661-0830 to get an application form and for more information. You can also visit the Department's website to download an application.
Why does the community need a Healthy Family Program?
Sometimes families need a little support, information or assistance in order to ensure that their children have the best chance for healthy growth and development. Parenting is not an easy task. Parents sometimes face numerous challenges as they try to nurture and support their newborn baby and they sometimes need encouragement, emotional support, parenting information and problem-solving assistance.
What does Health Family Program do for families?
YHSSA's Healthy Family Program provides information and support to families from the second trimester of pregnancy to the point when the child is ready to enter playschool or kindergarten, by helping parents foster an environment in which babies can develop normally and be healthy and happy. When children receive the nurturing, support and direction they need in their early years, they are much better prepared to face the new demands for learning and positive social interaction with other children when it is time for them to go to kindergarten or playschool.
Who do we serve? How can our family receive service?
Healthy Family Program serves all types of families, coming from a wide range of different cultures, religions, economic backgrounds. Healthy Family Program does not provide services to every family. The program is targeted to families that might need a little extra support in order to ensure that their children meet their developmental milestones as they learn and grow. Most of our referrals come from Public Health, Physicians or Nurse Practitioners, but parents can also self-refer to the program. Our goal is to work together with families to help them effectively respond to the needs of their children in the first 4 years of their development. If you are interested in the Healthy Family Program, talk to your public health nurse, nurse practitioner or physician.
Is there a cost for this service?
No, there is no cost for these services, they are offered free of charge.
Who can I talk to if I have more questions about this program?
You can call (867) 873-7412 or (867) 873-7413, Fax (867) 873-0177 for more information.
What is the Help Line phone number?
Kids Help Phone counsellors are available in Canada 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, all year long. It's free and easy to call from anywhere at anytime: 1-800-668-6868. You can also visit the Help Line website at http://kidshelp.sympatico.ca/en.
After Hours Phone Number, YHSSA, Community Social Programs - (867) 445-1092
Crisis Line for Abused Women (Alison McAteer House, Yellowknife, NT) - (867) 873-8257 or emergency line (867) 873-8142
Seniors Help Line: 1-800-661-0878 or call (867) 920-7444Western Arctic Help Line and Aids Help Line: (867) 920-2121. Volunteers operate this Help Line from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. each night.
Where can SENIORS get information?
Call Toll Free: 1-800-661-0878
Yellowknife Phone Number: 920-7444 or
Fax: (867) 873-4318
E-mail: seniors@tamarack.nt.ca
Web Site: www.hlthss.gov.nt.ca/seniors/index.htm
Where can I get an HIV (antibody) test?
Call the Yellowknife Public Health Unit (920-6570) to make an appointment for testing.
What is Pre-Kindergarten Screening and where can I get it done for my child?
The Public Health Unit's Pre-Kindergarten Screening program includes vision and hearing screening, and an assessment of a child's speech. Immunization against diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus and polio may also be done if the child is due for this needle. Occasionally, a child may also require the second immunization against measles, mumps and rubella (German measles). For more information and an appointment, contact our Public Health Unit at (867) 920-6570.
Where can I get a morning after (emergency contraceptive) pill?
For this and other consultations on birth control, contact your family doctor, or our Public Health Unit at (867) 920-6570.
What is a Nurse Practitioner?
Nurse Practitioners (NPs) are registered nurses who have extra training and experience. They provide a full range of primary health care services to individuals of all ages. Nurse Practitioners play an important role to help you understand your health and maintain a healthy, active lifestyle. They also work with communities to promote health and safety. Nurse Practitioners can diagnose illnesses and injuries, prescribe medications and can order a number of different tests.
Where do Nurse Practitioners work?
The NP is part of your health care team. Your team could include an NP, a doctor, a registered nurse, a health representative, a dietician, a counsellor or a social worker, but most importantly, it includes you. NPs work in cities and small communities in different places like:- Medical Clinics
- Special wards/units in hospitals
- Community Health Centres
- Public Health Units
- Home Care Programs
- Community Agencies.
What does a Nurse Practitioner do?
An NP can:
- Diagnose illnesses like strep throat, ear infections and bladder infections
- Prescribe medications and other treatments
- Order and read the results of lab tests, X-rays and ultrasounds
- Give you information on ways for you to stay healthy and prevent illnesses
- Give you support to help you deal with a problem
- Care for people who feel well but have chronic conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes
- Refer you to other health care professionals such as a doctor, nutritionist or a specialist.
Where are Nurse Practitioners working within YHSSA?
YHSSA is continuing to integrate NPs in various locations. At present there are NPs at the:
- Frame Lake Community Health Clinic
- Great Slave Community Health Clinic
- Gibson Medical Clinic
- Public Health Unit/ Home Care
- Fort Resolution Health Centre
- Yellowknife Outreach Clinic located at the Centre for Northern Families (Tuesdays only)
- Dettah Walk-in Clinic located at the Dettah Community Health and Resource Centre (Tuesdays only)
- Salvation Army Outreach Walk-in Clinic (Mondays only – statutory holidays are the exception).
Where can I get more information about Nurse Practitioners?
Contact the Manager, Nurse Practitioner Integration at (867) 920-6304Where can I get a pregnancy test?
At the Yellowknife Public Health Unit (920-6570).
Do I have a right to all my personal health information?
Yes, you have the right to access your personal information held by your doctor, the health centre or the NWT government. There are times when some information will not be released, such as when a person is felt to be in a fragile mental state.
How do I access my personal health information?
You can access your personal health information in several ways:
- By contacting the clinic or hospital where you received treatment and care.
- By consulting with your health care provider such as your doctor or nurse.
- By contacting the Access and Privacy Coordinator with the Department of Health and Social Services.
Can I get a copy of my personal health information?
Yes. Not only are you allowed to see your personal health information, you have the right to receive a copy of it. Usually there is no cost for copies, but there might sometimes be an administrative cost for a large request.
What if my personal health information is incorrect? How do I have it corrected?
If you feel your personal health information is incorrect, talk to your doctor or health care provider. Ask to have the incorrect information changed.
If there is a disagreement between you and the health care provider about your recorded personal health information, you can contact the Access and Privacy Coordinator at the Department of Health and Social Services, or at your regional Health and Social Services Authority.
Public Health Unit: Travelling to a foreign country and need immunizations? Is your child entering Kindergarten this fall? Do you have questions about breast feeding?
Our Public Health Unit offers a wide range of services, including immunizations for diseases you may encounter while travelling overseas, tuberculosis screening, pre-Kindergarten screening, counselling and treatment for sexually-transmitted diseases, an immunization program for infants, chicken pox vaccine, Hepatitis vaccine, an annual immunization clinic for influenza (the flu), and much, much more. Call (867) 920-6570 to arrange an appointment or to get more information.
If I'm worried I might have a sexually-transmitted infection (STI), what can I do?
You can book an appointment at the STI Clinic at Great Slave Community
Health Clinic, 5503 53rd Street. Call 920-4211 to set this up. This free and private
service provides: STI treatment, HIV testing, birth control information
and pregnancy testing. The clinic operates Monday to Friday afternoons.
You could also make an appointment at your doctor's office.
Where can I find more information on STIs?
The department of Health and Social Services has created a website www.respectyourself.ca to help answer
common questions regarding STIs.
Where can I find shelter from an abusive spouse or parent?
If you need emergency shelter, there are a number of places that can help you. Call us at 873-7276, or 445-1092 after hours for a child protection emergency.
There is a 24-hour Help/Crisis Line. This includes an AIDS Help Line, help for depression and suicide prevention. Phone: (867) 920-2121 or 1-800-661-0844.
For kids in need of help, there is a 24-hour help line: 1-800-668-6868.
And the crisis line for Abused Women (at the Alison McAteer House in Yellowknife) is (867) 873-8257 or 1-866-223-7775.
Does the YHSSA have a library that the public can access?
Yes. The YHSSA has a library of books, videos and other resources. Please visit our Virtual Library, or contact the Health Promotion Coordinator (920-6552 or YHSSA_library@gov.nt.ca) for more information.
Where can I apply for welfare/financial assistance?
Financial assistance or "welfare", is not offered by our Authority. You can get more information on this by calling Income Support, Department of Education Culture and Employment at 766-5100. There is an exception, however. If you are an adult and have special needs, you might be eligible for some financial assistance from us. Contact Lynn Foley at (867) 920-3247.
