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Accessing Jordan’s Principle

Accessing Jordan’s Principle

MAY 24, 2021

Jordan’s Principle makes sure all Indigenous children living in Canada can access the products, services and supports they need, when they need them. Developed by the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT), this legal requirement states that any public service ordinarily available to all other children must be made available to First Nations children without delay or denial.

Funding can help with a wide range of health, social and educational needs, including the unique needs that First Nations Two-Spirit and LGBTQ+ children and youth and those with disabilities may have.

For recent update to Jordan’s Principle or to learn more, visit the Government of Canada website .

HOW TO ACCESS?

STEP 1

Check to see if your child is eligible. See a complete list below.

STEP 2

Call Canada’s Jordan’s Principle at 1-855-JP-CHILD (572-4453). It’s open 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week.

STEP 3

Gather all the required documents. See a complete list below.

STEP 4

Complete your Jordan’s Principle application with a Service Coordinator.

STEP 5

Your Service Coordinator will submit your application.

STEP 6

If approved, receive your child’s product, support or service.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Who is eligible?

Indigenous children can access Jordan’s Principle, if they permanently reside in Canada and if they meet one of the following criteria:

Is registered or eligible to be registered under the Indian Act
Has one parent or guardian who is registered or eligible to be registered under the Indian Act

What is covered?

The services covered by Jordan’s Principle are as diverse as the Indigenous children it serves. Examples of the services covered by Jordan’s Principle include, but are not limited to:

Health

Mobility aids
Wheelchair ramps
Services from Elders
Assessments and screenings
Medical supplies and equipment
Mental health services

Social

Social worker
Land-based activities
Respite care (individual or group)
Specialized programs based on cultural beliefs and practices
Personal support worker

Education

School supplies
Tutoring services
Teaching assistants
Psycho-educational assessments
Assistive technology and electronics

Suppose a service is not necessarily available to other children or is an exceptional service, the child will still have their needs evaluated to determine if the service will ensure substantive equality. If this is the case, the government department will pay for the service to ensure the child’s needs are met.

What do I need to fill out an application?

You will need the following:

Child’s name, date of birth, address and Indian Status Card number (if registered)

Parent/guardian name and contact information

Reason for request

What is your child’s unmet need?

Description of the requested product and services

You can list more than one: for instance, you may require training as well as travel to the training.
Identify the duration – how long do you require the service or product? Is it a one-time event/product? Will the product need to be replaced at some point?

History of the request

Has this been previously submitted to another program or service, for instance Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) or another private insurance company? What was the outcome? Is the request partially covered?

Any supporting documents from educational, social or health professionals

Did your doctor or another professional prescribe or refer this for your child? Some examples could be massage or speech therapy, or even ergonomic equipment.

Supporting document from a teacher, or others. For example, a teacher may recommend a special type of electronic device that will assist in your child’s learning

What happens after I submit my application?

Once it is submitted to the Government of Canada, the following timelines apply:

You will receive a decision within 48 hours of Canada receiving all necessary information (depending on the urgency of the application):

Urgent requests are when the child’s health and safety is a concern, which will be answered within 12 hours.
Group requests will be responded to within one week of receiving a complete application, or within 48 hours for urgent group requests.

If approved, your products and services will be arranged directly through the vendor or service provider, meaning you do not have to pay out of pocket and then wait to be reimbursed.

If you have already paid for the service or product, you can get your money back by filling out a Reimbursement Form provided by the service coordinator. Please have receipts, invoices, proof of payment ready.

What if I am denied?

You may appeal a decision within one (1) year of the date of denial by sending a written request to Jordan’s Principle Focal Point in your region. Your appeal request will be reviewed and you will receive a decision within 30 days of your request for an appeal.

Who is Jordan’s Principle named after?

Jordan’s Principle is named in honour of Jordan River Anderson, a young First Nations boy from Norway House Cree Nation in northern Manitoba, who spent his entire life in hospital while caught in a jurisdictional dispute between the governments of Canada and Manitoba, which both refused to pay for the in-home medical care necessary for Jordan to live in his home and community.

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