Nuancing a Validated Tool to Reduce Adversity and Maltreatment for First Nations Children

This chapter presents the development of the Cumulative Experiences Index – Culturally Responsive (CEI-CR) tool, an assessment tool designed to identify and measure cumulative harm experienced by First Nations children. Building on the validated Cumulative Experiences Index (CEI) tool, the CEI-CR incorporates culturally specific domains, including intergenerational trauma, cultural disconnection, systemic disadvantage, and resilience factors grounded in kinship, culture, and Country. The CEI-CR integrates historical, cultural, and structural considerations to provide a more accurate profile of risk and protective factors. Its purpose is to support early, culturally safe intervention, family preservation, and reunification, rather than justify removal. This chapter outlines the theoretical framework, co-design process with Aboriginal stakeholders, and intended application of the CEI-CR, highlighting its potential to address service gaps and improve outcomes for children experiencing chronic, layered adversity.