CAREGIVER SERVICES AND SUPPORTS (C3)

The Caregiver Services and Supports Team at Surrounded by Cedar Child and Family Services is responsible for the recruitment, approval, training, and ongoing support of Indigenous and non-Indigenous foster families caring for urban Indigenous children and youth within the South Island.

Surrounded by Cedar’s Caregiver Services and Supports Program maintains the belief that urban Indigenous children and youth in care have the right to grow up connected in a meaningful way to family, community and culture. In its recruitment and training of foster families, SCCFS strives to work with like-minded people.

RESOURCES

We recognize that all parents want to provide the best care for their children, but at times this is not possible without support. Family Care Homes provide safety and care to Indigenous children and youth while they are away from their parents. Many Indigenous community members already provide this type of care to Indigenous children and youth. This has always been our way.

Becoming a foster parent is a way to extend our hearts and homes to other Indigenous children in community. As a foster parent, you and the child in your home will receive supports. You are part of the caregiver community here in Victoria.

FAMILY CARE HOMES

There are many different ways you can provide support and care to the children and youth who need either long term or short term placements, emergency or relief or even potentially adoptive homes.

Becoming a Foster parent or Caregiver is a way to extend our hearts and homes to other Indigenous children in the community. As a caregiver, you and the child in your home will receive supports.

You can provide a safe and loving placement for a youth or child while they are away from their parents.

INDIGENOUS CHILDREN & YOUTH NEED INDIGENOUS HOMES

Children and youth who are connected to their families, communities and cultures do better as adults. When Indigenous children need to be away from their families, it is important for them to be with a family and caregivers willing to work to keep them connected to their roots.

We look to our foster parents to fulfill this role, and to be a supportive, consistent caregiver in our children’s lives. Being a caregiver is a challenging job with many rewards. Caregivers play a very important role in our families, and in the wellbeing of our communities and Nations. We are always in need of caregivers and of Indigenous families willing to open their hearts and their homes to an Indigenous child.

  • Do you identify as an Indigenous person?

  • Are you willing to work with Indigenous workers within our agency?

  • Are you over the age of 19?

  • Are you physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually able to provide quality care for an Urban Indigenous child?

  • Do you believe in enhancing and supporting cultural connections and traditional teachings so that Urban Indigenous children can live a culturally rich life?

  • Can you create positive ways to work through unexpected challenges?

WHO CAN BE A FAMILY CARE HOME PROVIDER?

Anyone, 19 or older, who wants to share their home and life with a child, can apply to become a Family Care Home. It is not necessary to own your own home and your financial situation will not be a barrier.

In the application process, you will:

  • Attend an Information Session

  • Attend the Pre-Service Orientation Training

  • Complete an application package

  • Provide three personal references

  • Complete a medical exam with your doctor

  • Be interviewed, along with all family members in your home, by a social worker

  • Provide written consent for a criminal record check

  • Contact us for more details about Caregiver Information Sessions. We look forward to hearing from you!

CAREGIVER INFORMATION SESSIONS

Monthly Caregiver Information Sessions will be offered in groups to those interested in becoming a Family Care Home, or who have questions, concerns or ideas about the fostering application process. Please contact our office directly to find out when the next session will be held in your area.

If monthly sessions are not offered at that time, we also offer one-to-one information sessions, where you will meet with a resource worker to discuss fostering more personally. Please contact our Resource Worker to arrange a personal meeting time that works for you.

CONTACT US

For more information, please contact our Resource Social Worker at becomeacaregiver@sccfs.com