Foster Parent Recruitment Nisga’a Child and Family Services Created by Loretta Stewart & Janet Moore

Mission By maintaining the Nisga’a family through the utilization of spiritual, physical, mental and emotional and cultural well-being of all Nisga’a Children.

Nisga’a Homes for Nisga’a Children

Goals of NCFS Child’s Immediate Family Child’s Extended Family Child’s Tribe/House Child’s Community Child’s Band and Cultural Group Another Nisga’a Family Another Aboriginal Family

Foster Parent A foster parent is someone who provides temporary care to a child who is unable to live with his or her natural family and is in the care of Nisga’a Child and Family service. Foster parents provide a stable and supportive home for a child for however long he or she needs to be in care.

Why do Children Come into Care? Children come into care either by apprehension or parental consent for different reasons such as: Physical, sexual, emotional, verbal abuse Behavioral Problems Neglect Parental illness Lack of housing Lack of supervision Severe Parent-child conflict

How to get Started Application Form Criminal Record information Criminal Records Search forms All people in home over the age of 18. Medical Examination Form Consent for release of information 3 reference forms 2 Person (family and friend), 1professional

Criminal Record Checks If a family has a criminal record the following factors will be taken into consideration: Length of time since the conviction The seriousness and nature of the crime If the crime involved children or youth Steps the applicant has taken to address and change the offending behaviour.

Orientation Rights of Children in Care Roles and responsibilities of caregivers Aboriginal cultural Safe storage of firearms and ammunition Liability and other insurance coverage Discipline Standards Confidentiality Medication storage Record keeping Child-safe Home study process Foster parent training

Foster Parent Training Nisga’a Child and Family Services has recently taken the training. Training will be mandatory for all successful applicants. Can be done in a group or individual setting.

Characteristics of a Good Caregiver Loving Socially and community Minded Good Problem Solver Proactive Gifted Communicator and Mediator Patient Open Minded and Understanding Good Role Model Has a Positive Outlook on Life

Different Foster Home Restricted Regular Level one Level two Level three Relief Respite

Restricted Child Specific Usually Family or Friends of Family Needs Vary Not open to other children

Regular Is open to all children Can request to be limited to specific age and gender Needs Vary Receiving home, time limited. Can not exceed a total of six children including your own

Level One These homes care for children with multiple developmental needs who may have some challenging behaviours.

Level Two These homes care for children with more complicated and challenging needs and behaviours. Assessment and intervention skills required.

Level Three These homes care for children who require the most extensive daily care including health related care and/or interventions related to mental health concerns. This includes behaviours that may pose a risk to self or to others.

Relief Care Relief is available and encouraged for Foster Parents to assist in maintaining continuity for the child. Most often is a regular home. Can be opened up strictly for relief.

Respite Respite is offered to parents who have a voluntary support services file. Can be a regular home family, or friends of the family, or community members who wish to offer this service can complete criminal record check.

Foster Parent Payment and Costs Food Household Transportation Health & personal care supplies Family recreational outings Clothing Equipment Personal allowance In-home services Gifts and activities Education Other costs directly related to caring for a child

Support for Foster Parents Foster Parent Training Additional Training Training to a child’s Specific Needs Resource worker support New Ideas – Foster Parent support group, cultural events, elders group

Common Questions Q: What are the ages of children who are in care? Q: How long would a child be living with me? Q: Can Single People Foster? Q: Do I have to be a stay-at-home parent?

Common Questions Q: Does a child need to have his or her own bedroom? Q: Will my beds be filled all the time? Q: How many children can I care for? Q: Can I foster if I rent my home/apartment, or do I have to own my home?

Questions

Nisga’a Home for Nisga’a Children Be the Difference!!