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

2. 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.

3. Nisga’a Homes for Nisga’a Children

4. 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

5. 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.

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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.

9. 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

10. 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.

11. 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

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

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

14. 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

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

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

17. 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.

18. 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.

19. 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.

20. 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

21. 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

22. 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?

23. 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?

24. Questions

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