foster & kinship - Frequently Asked Questions
“Care giving is by design a temporary situation and most children and youth today, do not stay permanently in a kinship of foster home.” – Alberta Foster and Kinship Association
What is the role of a caregiver?
To support the best interest of a child – you will be a mentor, caregiver, and role model. A support system who will provide a temporary family environment for a child, you will play an integral part in the child’s life as you will be a temporary (or lifelong) placement for the child(ren).
How do I know a child is at risk?
A child is deemed “at risk” if they are frequent exposed to domestic violence between the child’s guardian(s), partying within the home, neglect by the guardian(s), sexual abuse by the guardians, drug trafficking or use by the guardians in the family home. Or the guardianship’s unwillingness, inability to protect from the listed concerns.
What do workers do?
Our workers are delegated to intervene and investigate when cases of abuse (emotional, physical, sexual), neglect and harm against children are exposed. We are obligated to work under the Child, Youth, and Family Enhancement Act.
What is the process if I made a report?
When a report is received, we call this an intake. The intake worker will collect all information and make collateral calls, if necessary. If the reported concerns require further information gathering, an assessor will go out to meet the child(ren) and the respective guardian(s). From there, based on the information collected, a file will open or close.
I don’t want the family to know I reported.
LSLIRC Staff are bound by confidentiality and will not disclose, whatsoever, who reported. People will assume who reported but will not be confirmed nor denied. All reporters are kept strictly confidential.
What nations do we provide services to?
Currently, LSLIRC provides services to Sawridge First Nation, Swan River First Nation, Driftpile Cree Nation, Sucker Creek First Nation, and Kapawe’no First Nation.
The procedure for a family looking to establish kinship care.
- Reach out to a Foster/Kinship worker
- Conduct an environmental home assessment
- Complete a criminal record check and an intervention record check
- Gather personal references
- Collect collateral contracts
- Initiate a home study once all the above steps are successfully completed
What is kinship care?
Kinship is a program where a child is looked after by an approved home consisting of family or community members when their parents are not able to care for them.
This will create an environment for the child(ren) in need surrounded by those who know and love them.
What is an open file?
If a file is “open” that entails that LSLIRC determined that further time is needed to mitigate risks of child protection. Open files can be agreements signed between the caseworker and guardian(s) or orders that are obtained through the Provincial Court to implement the terms set out by the Caseworker.
Child welfare will take my kids away?
When making a decision for intervention (apprehension) workers will ensure all preventative measures have been utilized. We do not wish to “break families apart” or “take kids away” but for the safety of a child, we have done so. Most often, kinship placement is explored so children can be placed with family as priority.
Do you guys help with going for custody?
No. We do not assist with custody battles. You will be redirected to the appropriate resource such as Native Counselling Services, or a Family Duty Worker at the Courthouse.