CAREGIVER SERVICES AND SUPPORTS

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.

FAMILY CARE HOMES

There are many ways to provide care and support to Indigenous children and youth who need long-term or short-term placements, emergency or relief care, or even adoptive homes. 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 offer a safe, loving environment for children and youth while they are away from their parents — a practice that many Indigenous community members have carried forward as part of our way of caring for each other. Becoming a caregiver or foster parent is a way to extend our hearts and homes to children in community, and both caregivers and the children in their homes receive supports as part of the broader Indigenous caregiver community here in Victoria.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

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 willing to work to keep them connected to their roots.

We look to our caregivers to fulfill this role and to be supportive, consistent, loving adults in the lives of urban Indigenous children and youth in care. Caregivers play a very important role in the wellbeing of our communities and Nations. We are always in need of Indigenous and non-Indigenous families willing to open their hearts and their homes to an Indigenous child or youth.

  • Do you identify as an Indigenous person?

  • Are you over the age of 19?
  • Are you physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually able to provide quality care for an urban Indigenous child/youth?
  • Do you believe in enhancing and supporting cultural connections and traditional teachings so that urban Indigenous children/youth can live a culturally rich life?

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

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.

In addition, we 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 at becomeacaregiver@sccfs.com