There are several ways families can provide care for children. They are described as follows:
Customary Care is about the care of First Nations/Indigenous children. It is founded on the fundamental principle that the responsibility for the safety and well-being of the child rests with the family. When the family’s ability to meet the responsibility for the child is compromised, then responsibility extends outward to the extended family and to the First Nations community.
When it is determined that the information meets the threshold for an assessment, a Child Protection Worker will be assigned to engage with a family. KCFS believes it is important to keep families together and Child Protection Workers will seek to take the least intrusive measures first involving extended family and community to assist in their assessment and to offer services and supports to improve the situation to decrease the risk of harm to the children. Examples of support may include counseling, parenting programs, traditional healing methods, and basic needs assistance. In situations where severe harm or risk of harm to a child exists and a safety plan is unavailable or cannot address the severe and immediate safety concerns, action may be taken to ensure safety. It may involve bringing a child to a place of safety and placing within the kin, customary or foster care arrangements. As the Child Protection Worker continues to meet with the family and children and gather information from service providers involved with the family, a decision will be made whether or not there are child protection concerns and if there is a need for further support and involvement.
Caregivers provide a very valuable service by caring for children for short periods of time to support other alternative care placements. Most alternative families receive one weekend of relief per month. In some circumstances, the agency also provides time limited relief support services for families whose children are not in care full time but require support to maintain the ongoing care of their children.
Caregivers who care for children on short notice in crisis situations, until longer term arrangements can be made for the child’s care.
Caregivers provide safe, stable, and nurturing home environments for children of all ages, ensuring their physical, emotional, and cultural wellbeing.
Fill out the form for more information and you will be put in touch with an Alternative Care Worker who can give you more information on the process and requirements for becoming a caregiver.
