Agency Foster Care

Foster Care is a temporary placement for a child who cannot remain with his or her own family and is in the custody or under the guardianship of the director. Foster care is based on the belief that a family unit and parent model is the most beneficial and desirable setting for raising a child. This contract would facilitate a 24/7 living arrangement in supported environment which focuses on the individual needs of the client. Furthermore, this service will support the infant, child or youth, through promoting stability, health and well-being physically, emotionally and academically. Positive attachments will be built and supported; emphasis will be placed on building healthy relationships with other people; minimizing the number of disruptions; and keeping the infant, child or youth connected to their extended family and community. Key Deliverables will include the following: • Life skills development on a variety of subjects pertaining to healthy choices such as, personal care (hygiene and nutrition), peer relationships, adult interactions, physical safety, drug and alcohol use , and sexuality (including safe sex choices and health relationship) • Support to maintain relationships that are important to the client including those connecting them to their culture, spiritual and religious heritage and beliefs • Foster strong support systems, community ties, family and kin relationships, educational attainment and preparation for the transition to independence and adulthood • Provision of information, referral and support to access community resources • Mentoring -provision of personal support, role modeling, and connection to community and culture • Support permanency with transition to independence/adulthood (if applicable) including employment preparation and placement, self-advocacy, volunteerism, community involvement, skill building and relationship building, within the capacity of the youth Services are to be delivered articulating strength based philosophy that ties individual needs to specific interventions. Such as gains in measurable skills, increased productivity and pro-social behavior, improved functioning, attendance at school/academic success and a stable living arrangement in the community. General outcomes will include: • Infants, children and youth in need of intervention services, will be protected and supported by permanent, nurturing relationships • Safe, 24/7 supported living arrangements • Development and support to Foster/Kindship families to nurture, care and protect children in need • Permanency for infants, children and youth will be achieved • Youth will develop the competencies for independent living • Infants, children and youth are supported to remain connected to family, community and culture • Significant life-long relationships are developed for infants, children and youth that promotes their cultural identity • Youth are connected to mentors and supported to achieve healthy relationships, connect to family, community and culture • Youth will have the life skills and lifelong connections to live independently in the community • Youth will be provided safe and supportive housing • Youth will be supported to live independently in the community • Youth will have safe and secure housing supports when homeless