FOSTER CARE
HA N DB O OK
Families Helping Families
The Foster Care Handbook is a project of the Newfoundland and Labrador Foster Families
Association in partnership with the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services. In the
event there are discrepancies or inconsistencies between the Foster Care Handbook and the
Protection and In Care Policy and Procedures manual, The Protection and In Care Policy and
Procedures manual shall prevail.
The completion of this Handbook has been a journey of collaboration and teamwork during a
period of transformation in the foster care program in our province. In 2012 the Department of
Child, Youth and Family Services developed a new Continuum of Care Strategy and laid the
groundwork for significant enhancements to the foster care program. We want to thank our
foster parents for their patience and support throughout this process.
As a foster parent, you become part of a team working with others in an environment where
one thing is inevitable – that is change. Whether it is an ever-changing home environment as
children/youth arrive and leave, changing social workers or policy changes, change is intended
to improve our ability to provide quality care to the children/youth of our province. As such, it
is to be expected that with time some of the policies and standards outlined in this handbook
will be updated and others will be added. These changes will be posted on our website at
www.nlffa.ca and noted in our quarterly newsletter. You will also be able to access changes and
updates on the government website at www.gov.nl.ca.
Diane Molloy
Executive Director
Newfoundland and Labrador Foster Families Association
2015
i
Message from the Minister
It is with heartfelt appreciation and respect that I acknowledge the
dedication of foster families across our province who willingly open
their hearts and their homes. These families play a key role in our
province by supporting children, youth and their families. I want to
also acknowledge the Newfoundland and Labrador Foster Families
Association, our social workers, and the countless others who help
our children and families when they need it most.
I am very pleased to recognize the collaboration between the
Foster Families Association and the Department of Child, Youth and
Family Services in the development of the Foster Care Handbook.
This handbook is a testament to the close partnership which exists between the association and
my department. It is important that foster families feel they are recognized and supported for the
This handbook is designed to help foster families understand the policies and procedures that govern
the important task at hand – namely the care and protection of children and youth entrusted in their
care.
There are many joys that childhood brings, and often times these joys are realized with the assistance
of families in our province dedicated to fostering. Again, I thank the many families throughout
Newfoundland and Labrador who help children and youth experience safety and security in the
context of a family.
Sincerely,
Honourable Sandy Collins
Minister
www.gov.nl.ca
ii
Acknowledgements
Appreciation is extended to the following individuals and their associated organizations who
contributed to the completion of this handbook and without whose support it would not
have been possible.
•
Newfoundland and Labrador Foster Families Association
•
Cathy Morris, Provincial Foster Care Consultant, Department of Child, Youth and Family
Services
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Mabel Anderson, Provincial Foster Care Consultant, Department of Child, Youth and
Family Services
Coralee Roberts, Foster Parent, Triton
Rosemary O’Rourke, Social Worker, Department of Child, Youth and Family Services
Barb Andersen, Foster Parent, Makkovik
Bim Bridle, Foster Parent, Red Bay
Linda Buckle, Foster Parent, Corner Brook
Debbie Burton, Social Worker, Department of Child, Youth and Family Services
Tracy Swan, Former Board Director, Former Newfoundland and Labrador Foster Families
Association Board Director
iii
Welcome to the foster care program and thank you for accepting the responsibility of supporting
children, youth and families in our province.
Being approved as a foster home means you have demonstrated the willingness and ability to:
• Protect and nurture children
• Meet children’s developmental needs and address developmental delays
• Support relationships between children and their families
• Connect children to safe, nurturing relationships intended to last a lifetime
• Work as a member of a professional team
All children/youth that come to a foster home have experienced a range of emotional distress
in their lives. Generally, all parents want to do their best for their children but sometimes, due
to personal circumstances, they are unable to meet their parenting responsibilities. The role of
a foster family is to provide a temporary nurturing home environment for children/youth while
their family gets help in working out the problems that resulted in the child/youth having to
leave home. As a foster parent, you will care for children/youth from diverse life experiences
and backgrounds. You will be expected to support children/youth and respect diversity in all its
forms: cultural, socio-economic, sexual orientation, spiritual beliefs, etc.
Foster families not only care for children/youth, they also work as part of a team with parents,
social workers and others significant to the child/youth in an effort to achieve the goal of family
reunification. If this goal is not possible to achieve, finding a permanent home for the child/youth
becomes the priority. This may mean that the child/youth will continue to live in their current
foster home, may be adopted by their foster parents or another family or there may be a transfer
of custody to another person.
Fostering will be one of the most rewarding and at times, challenging experiences you will have
in your lifetime. You are asked to care for children/youth and treat them like your own; all the
while knowing that in most circumstances the goal is for them to return to their own family.
This is why it is so important that you not only build a positive relationship with the children in
your home but also with their parents. Letting go is one of the more difficult parts of fostering,
but you will find comfort in knowing that you have helped a children/youth along their life path
and that their lives will be all the more richer because you were a part of it.
The reason people choose to become foster parents is a genuine desire to nurture and support
children and youth. Foster families are ordinary people who do extraordinary things. On your
journey you will learn that understanding and a kind word can have a long-lasting impact; that
hurt and pain can only be mended with kindness, patience and time; and you will also gain a
greater understanding of the personal struggles of families in our communities.
iv
“One hundred years from now,
it will not matter what kind of car I drove, what kind of home I lived in,
how much I had in my bank account nor what my clothes looked like.
But the world may be a little better because I was important in the life of a child.”
- Author Unknown
v
Table of Contents
Section 1: General Information
Newfoundland and Labrador Foster Families Association
Helping a Child/Youth Adjust to Placement
Rights of Children and Youth
Rights of Foster Parents
Responsibilities of Foster Parents
Working with Birth Parents
Responsibilities of Child, Youth and Family Services Social Workers
1
1
4
5
6
6
8
9
Section 2: Child Youth and Family Services Legislation and Policy
11
1.
14
14
14
15
17
19
20
21
22
23
25
26
28
29
31
31
34
35
36
37
39
40
An Overview
Best Interest Principle
Duty to Report
Policy: Children/Youth in Care
Effect of a Temporary Custody Order
Effect of Continuous Custody Order
Sharing of Information Relevant to the Care of a Child or Youth
Sharing Placement Information with a Child, Youth and Parent(s)
Placement Procedures
Consulting and Informing a Child or Youth
In Care Progress Report
Counselling for a Child/Youth Following Removal
Access
Life Books
Personal Privacy
A Child/Youth Absent Without Permission
A Child/Youth Missing or Abducted
Continuous Custody Order Ceases to Have Effect for a Child or Youth
A Youth’s Request to Have a Continuous Custody Order Set Aside
Transitioning to the Youth Services Program from the In Care Program
Medical Consent
Consent to Travel
Health Services for the Child or Youth
Hospitalization
Financial Services for the Child or Youth
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11
12
12
2.
3.
Children’s Special Allowance
Basic Foster Care Rate
Block Funding
Level Fee
Respite
Child Care, Babysitting and Sleepovers
Vacation Costs for a Child/Youth in Care or Custody to Accompany a Foster Family
on Vacation
45
46
47
52
54
62
Policy: Youth Services
Overview: Youth Services
Youth Services Agreement
Post-Secondary Education and Career Planning
81
81
82
86
67
Policy: Placement Resources
69
Overview: Placement Resources for Children/Youth in Care
69
Social Work Contact
71
Maximum Number of Children/Youth Placed in a Regular/Specialized Foster Home 72
Discipline
73
Annual Review of a Regular/Specialized Foster Home
75
Foster Home Investigations
77
Closure of a Foster Home
79
Section 3: Transitions for a Child or Youth
Section 4: Impact of Fostering on the Children of Foster Parents
Section 5: Stress Management
Section 6: Advocate for Children & Youth
90
93
96
99
References
102
Appendix B: Foster Parents’ Placement Checklist
106
Appendix A: Foster Parent Agreement (Level 2)
Appendix C: Placement Card
Appendix D: Useful Phone Numbers
103
107
109
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Glossary of Terms/ Definitions
Advocate for Children
and Youth:
Care:
Child:
the Advocate for Children/Youth is an Independent Statutory office
of the House of Assembly of Newfoundland and Labrador. This office
has the authority to represent the rights, interests and viewpoints
of children/youth that are entitled to receive services and access
programs provided by the government of this province.
the physical daily care and nuturing of a child/youth
(Subsection 2(1)(b) of the CYCP Act)
a person actually or apparently under the age of sixteen years.
(Subsection 2(1)(c) of the CYCP Act)
The terms “foster child” and “foster children” were removed from Legislation in 1999.
These terms are no longer considered acceptable when referring to children in care.
Child Maltreatment:
Continuous Custody:
Court:
Custody:
Educational or
Rehabilitation Program:
the non-accidental infliction of injury or harm to a child by a parent,
or the injury or harm of a child by another person and the parent
does not protect the child. Child maltreatment includes the physical,
sexual or emotional abuse of a child.
a custodial arrangement in which a manager becomes the sole
custodian of the child/youth and has the right to make all decisions
regarding the child/youth including medical decisions. The manager
or a social worker may consent to the provision of medical
treatment for the child/youth, and the manager may consent to the
adoption of the child/youth under the Adoption Act.
the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador Trial Division
(Family) or the Provincial Court.
the rights and responsibilities of a parent with respect to a
child/youth. (Subsection 2(1)(e) of CYCP Act).
includes a post-secondary certificate, diploma or degree program, a
high school equivalency program, or pre-employment program;
employment, life skills or career development program; mental health
and addictions treatment program, day program for youth with
developmental disabilities or a physical rehabilitation program
prescribed by the youth’s physician.
viii
Emergency Placement
Homes (EPH):
Foster Parent:
Group Homes:
In Care Planning Team:
In Care Progress Report
(IPR):
Emergency Placement Homes are staffed living arrangements that
offer 24 hour emergency care to children/youth for a specified
period to either assess a child/youth(s) placement needs, and/or to
transition a child/youth to a longer term placement.
a person with whom a child/youth (who is in the care or custody of
a manager) is placed for care with the approval of a manager and
who, by agreement with a manager, has assumed responsibility for
the care of the child or youth. A foster parent includes a family
member or a person significant to the child/youth but does not
include the parent of the child/youth (Subsection 2(1)(h) of the CYCP
Act).
are staffed residential settings that provide group care for
children/youth who have complex social, emotional, behavioural
and developmental needs and as a result, require a level of
residential service that cannot be provided through a less
structured, family based setting.
a team of individuals involved in planning for the child/youth in care.
The team must include the social worker for the child/youth and the
social worker for the child/youth’s parent(s); the child/youth (where
developmentally appropriate); the parent(s) of the child/youth (if
they are actively involved), foster parent(s) or a residential staff
person; and may also include other professionals working with the
child/youth including extended family, significant others or other
community partners.
a comprehensive written report developed for each child/youth in
care/custody by the social worker in consultation with the
child/youth’s planning team. The IPR will document the
child/youth’s progress on a number of developmental dimensions,
outline the supports and services the child/youth requires, identify
who will be responsible for linking the child/youth to identified
supports and services, and monitor the goals and outcomes for the
child/youth. The IPR will also monitor and document the
implementation of the child/youth’s contact with their parent(s),
siblings, extended family, significant others, their community and
culture as outlined in the Plan for the Child filed with the Court.
ix
Individualized Living
Arrangements (ILAS):
Interim Approval:
Interim Care:
Interim Custody:
ILAs are staffed living arrangements specific to children/youth who
have extraordinary social, emotional, behavioral, developmental
and medical needs. Children/youth with these needs cannot be
appropriately matched with a foster home or group home.
a one-time temporary approval of a regular foster home. The full,
regular foster parent PRIDE approval process must be completed
within the timeframes specified in the Regular Foster Home
Approval Process Policy.
a care arrangement for a child who is removed under Section 20 of
the CYCP Act. The manager has interim care of the child until the
child is returned, under Section 45, to the parent from whom the
child was removed, or until a judge makes an order at a Presentation
Hearing under Section 31. While the manager has interim care of
the child, the manager or a social worker, may authorize a qualified
health practitioner to examine the child and consent to necessary
health care for the child where the parent cannot be contacted if,
in the opinion of a qualified health practitioner, health care should
be provided without delay (as per Section 24 of the CYCP Act).
an order issued by the court at a Presentation Hearing in accordance
with Subsection 31(1)(e) of the CYCP Act where the child is placed
in or remains in the custody of a manager until the conclusion of
the Protective Intervention Hearing.
Judge:
a judge of the court.
Kinship Services
a program available to provide supportive and financial services to
approved kinship caregivers who are willing and capable of
providing care to a child who is in need of protective intervention
and requires an out of home living arrangement.
Kinship Caregiver:
Level 1:
members of the extended family or a significant other approved to
care for a child/youth under a Kinship Service Program.
the first level of the continuum of care which includes kinship
homes, interim approved regular foster homes, and approved
relative/significant other foster homes that have not completed
PRIDE Pre-service.
x
Level 2:
Level 3:
Level 4:
Manager:
Missing Child or Youth:
the second level of the continuum of care, which consists of
approved relative/significant other and regular foster homes that
have completed PRIDE Pre-service.
the third level of the continuum of care, which consists of approved
specialized foster homes.
The fourth level of the continuum of care which consists of staffed
residential placement resources including Emergency Placement
Homes, Group Homes, and Individualized Living Arrangements.
a person appointed by the Minister of the Department of Child, Youth
and Family Services who exercises the powers and performs the duties
that are conferred or imposed upon them by the CYCP Act.
a child/youth who is absent without permission and has not
returned to his/her placement within five (5) hours, or has been
absent without permission for less than five (5) hours and:
a) is under 12 years of age;
b) has a disability (e.g. physical, intellectual, cognitive);
c) has a recent and repeated history of drug/alcohol/solvent use;
d) has suspected or known mental health issues;
e) has a diagnosed mental illness;
f) has a recent history of suicidal attempts or suicidal ideation;
g) has a recent history of self-harming behaviors;
h) there are severe weather conditions (e.g. blizzard);
i) has a medical condition that requires monitoring (e.g. diabetes
and insulin dependent);
j) is suspected of or is associating with individuals who pose an
immediate safety threat to the child/youth (e.g. violent
offenders, pimps); and
k) any other risk factor that the social worker determines is likely to
impact the child/youth’s immediate safety.
Newfoundland and Labrador the provincial Association that speaks as a collective voice for foster
Foster Families Association families. The Association is a community based not for profit
organization funded by the Department of Child, Youth and Family
(NLFFA):
Services.
xi
Order Set Aside:
Placement:
Placement Card:
Plan for the Child:
PRIDE:
where a youth’s written request to have an order of continuous
custody set aside has been approved, the order is no longer in effect
and a manager no longer has legal responsibility for the youth.
Where an order is set aside, the manager does not have a legal right
to make decisions or consent to medical treatment on the youth’s
behalf.
an approved foster home, group home, EPH, ILA or an out-ofprovince residential treatment program in which a child/youth is
residing.
a template containing specific information about a child/youth that
is given to a foster parent or a residential care provider at the time
of placement.
the plan for the child(ren) (in accordance with Section 29 of the CYCP
Act) that is filed with the court after a social worker has filed an
Application for Protective Intervention Hearing requesting a
supervision or custody order. The Plan for the Child outlines prior
involvement with the child(ren) and family, the child protection
concerns, and the recommended services and interventions to
address these concerns. In cases where the child(ren) has been
removed and is In Care, the Plan for the Child outlines the efforts
planned to maintain the child(ren)’s contact with the parent, family
or other person significant to the child(ren) and a description of the
arrangements made or being made to recognize the importance of
the child(ren)’s identity and cultural and community connections.
Parent Resources for Information, Development, and Education. A
standardized, competency-based model for recruiting, preparing
and assessing foster and adoptive parents. It also refers to ongoing
training components for approved foster families.
Protection Investigation: the process of responding to a complaint of alleged child
maltreatment to assess the immediate risk to the child, and to
determine the child’s need for protective intervention. It involves
interviewing and observing the child in need of protective
intervention and interviewing their siblings, parents and collateral
sources; gathering information through the agency’s records and
through checks with the police, school, medical records, and any
other means necessary. Depending on the allegation, the investigation
may require joint interviews with the police.
xii
Referral Source:
Relative/Significant
Other Foster Parent:
Residential Services:
Supportive Services:
Social Worker:
any individual who reports concerns of alleged abuse or maltreatment
of a child to CYFS under Section 11 of the CYCP Act. The referral source
may be a self-identified person or a person who wishes to remain
anonymous.
a family member or person significant to the child/youth with
whom a child/youth (who is in the care or custody of a manager) is
placed for care with the approval of a manager and who, by
agreement with a manager, has assumed responsibility for the care
of the child or youth.
includes monthly financial and supportive services provided to
youth in need of protective intervention who are living outside the
parental home and who have signed a Youth Services Agreement.
services provided to youth who have signed a Youth Services
Agreement. Supportive services may include social work support
such as facilitating referrals to community agencies, crisis intervention,
and case management services. Emergency funding for items or
services that cannot be obtained from another source may also be
provided.
a person registered under the Social Workers Association Act and
employed by the Department of Child, Youth and Family Service.
xiii
Temporary Custody:
Warrant:
Youth:
a custodial relationship in which the manager has custody of a child
for a period specified by a court order and the manager or a social
worker has the right to make all decisions regarding the child with
the exception of medical consent. The manager or a social worker
may consent to necessary medical treatment for the child as
recommended by a qualified health practitioner, where the child’s
parent is unavailable or refuses to consent to the treatment.
is a time limited written order issued by a judge that gives a social
worker the authority to enter a premises, by force, where necessary
to remove a child. By obtaining a warrant, a social worker is receiving
a judge’s sanction to remove the child. A warrant also provides the
authority for the police to become involved in assisting with the
removal.
a person 16 years of age or over but under 18 years of age.
Youth Screening and
a tool used by the social worker to complete an initial screening
Assessment Tool (YSAT): (intake) and assessment of a youth’s need for protective intervention.
xiv
Section 1: General Information
Newfoundland and Labrador Foster Families Association
The Newfoundland and Labrador Foster Families Association has a mandate to advance and
promote the professional role of foster parents and to be a collective voice for foster families
throughout the province. The Association believes that every child/youth has a right to live in
a safe, stable, nurturing environment that ensures their physical, emotional, spiritual and
cultural health and well-being. It is believed that families and communities have a shared
responsibility in achieving this goal. The Association works in partnership with the Department
of Child, Youth and Family Services, foster parents, local associations and the community to
meet the needs of foster families and to enhance the care and support provided to
children/youth in care and their families.
The Association is committed to the values of collaboration, partnership, relationship building,
open communication and consensus decision making. The Newfoundland and Labrador Foster
Families Association is also an active member of the Canadian Foster Family Association and,
through this involvement, also advocates for foster families and children/youth in care on a
national level.
Board Structure
The Association is run by a volunteer Board of Directors comprised of twelve foster parents,
one community representative, one youth representative and representation from the
Department of Child, Youth and Family Services. It is the responsibility of the Board to focus on
the development and sustainment of the mission and vision for the Association, the
development of policy and procedures, and the sustainment of on-going strategic planning. The
Executive Director is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Association.
Roles and Responsibilities
The Association has responsibilities in the areas of Education, Advocacy, Recruitment, and
Retention/Support. Its role is to advance and promote collaborative partnerships that
strengthen policies, programs and services which enhance the care and support provided to
children and families. There are local associations in all regions of the province which encourage
active member participation and ensure that the Association speaks as a collective voice for
foster families. The Association has responsibility to the membership which includes ensuring
on-going communication. The primary means of communication is through local associations,
meeting minutes, newsletters, regional meetings and the Annual General Meeting.
1
Membership
All foster homes, with the exception of kinship homes (because the children in these homes
are not in care or custody of a manager), are members of the Association. Although it is not a
requirement for membership, all foster families are encouraged to pay the annual membership
fee. Foster parents who choose to become paid members receive a membership card and are
eligible for discounts at various businesses throughout the province. Paid members also have
voting privileges at the Annual General Meeting. Any person in the community who actively
supports the objectives of the Association can become an Associate Member. There is also an
organizational membership category.
Local Associations
The provincial association strives to have strong, active, local associations in all regions of the
province. The participation of foster families at the local level is very important to the success
of the provincial association. Involvement in locals can be a positive experience for foster
parents. They gain support from each other, participate in social events, share ideas, identify
areas for change, participate in on-going education and training, and build partnerships. Social
workers are actively involved as members of local associations.
Local associations must operate in accordance with the mission and mandate of the provincial
association and share the responsibility for meeting the roles and responsibilities of the
association. Support for locals is provided by each Regional Director on the Board and
association staff. The Department of Child, Youth and Family Services acknowledge the
importance of strong local associations and demonstrates their commitment by supporting
active social worker participation at the local level.
The Role of the Association in Individual Case Issues
A foster parent can contact the office to request assistance on any matter; however, the
Association does not provide individual advocacy. We work with foster parents to develop their
own advocacy skills. It is expected that individual issues will be addressed at the local level using
established processes which generally take the form of addressing the concern with the social
worker, supervisor, manager, etc. until there is a resolution.
Issues relevant to foster families in general or to a group of foster parents may be looked at by
the provincial association and addressed at the regional or provincial level, whichever is most
appropriate. Examples of such issues would be rates, training, insurance, general respite (not
individual decisions regarding a particular child), etc.
2
Personal Support
Personal support is available to any foster parent who requests it. Some common reasons foster
parents reach out for personal support include: loss and grief when a child/youth leaves their
home; coping with challenging behaviors; uncertainty about a policy or decision that has been
made; experiencing difficulty accepting a decision that has been made; feeling isolated or
needing to vent, etc.
Allegation Support
The Association can provide support to foster parents whose home is being investigated following
an allegation. For reasons of confidentiality, Child, Youth and Family Services cannot identify a home
that is being investigated (e.g. cannot inform the Association of the need for support). Requests
for allegation support must be initiated by the foster parent(s) or someone speaking on their behalf.
All foster parents are encouraged to reach out for support during an allegation.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Ongoing Activities of the Provincial Association
Personal support
Allegation support
Advocacy
Committee work
Community awareness
Networking
Quarterly newsletter
Annual symposium
Different Kinds of Families Presentation
Foster Care: What you Need to Know Presentation
Local association meetings and activities
Foster Families Week Celebration
Annual VOCM Cares Bursary
Annual drawing and writing contests for K-12
Contact Information
The provincial office is located in St. John’s. There is a toll-free line which allows accessibility
for foster families throughout the province.
Mailing Address: Suite 105, 21 Pippy Place, St. John’s, NL, A1B 3X2
Phone: 709-754-0213, 1-877-754-0218 (toll free)
Fax: 709-754-5007
Website: www.nlffa.ca Email: nlffa@nfld.net
3
Helping a Child/Youth Adjust to Placement
The period of adjustment for a child/youth after leaving their home is often difficult. Regardless of
how enthusiastic and welcoming you are toward a new child/youth who enters your home, the
child/youth may feel scared and ill-at-ease when he/she first arrives. Do not take this personally; it
has little to do with you. A child/youth who comes into care experiences grief and loss. Below are
some things you can do to help a child/youth adjust to his/her new living environment:
a. Purchase a little welcoming gift for the child/youth.
b. Let the child/youth know what to call you and other family members;
learn what the child/youth likes being called. A child/youth should
not be asked to call you “mom” and “dad”. If a child/youth asks if
they can call you mom and dad, discuss this with your social worker
and ask for direction.
c. Show the child/youth your home and minimize surprises in order to
reduce the uncertainty and anxiety the child/youth may experience
(e.g. where the towels are, what the daily routines/schedules and
bedtimes are, who is usually around the house, how late people can
call, etc.).
d. Never criticize or say anything negative about the child/youth‘s birth
family. Be as positive and supportive as possible.
e. Prepare extended family members and neighbors for the child/
youth’s arrival – remember confidential information must not be
shared.
f.
Prepare the child/youth for any new experiences that may cause
uncertainty (e.g. visiting relatives, going shopping, family outings,
etc.) by explaining beforehand:
- Where you are going;
- Who the child/youth will meet - describe briefly;
- How long you will be gone;
- What you will be doing;
- Who the child/youth can go to, if they need anything.
g. Explain household rules and chores; involve the child/youth in assigning chores they may
be most interested/willing to do.
h. Let the child/youth make choices whenever possible to give him/her a sense of control
in an otherwise strange and maybe scary environment.
i. Let the child/youth know you are available to talk, but also recognize when the
child/youth might want to be alone and give him/her space.
4
Rights of Children and Youth
All children/youth have rights and freedoms. A child/youth in care or custody is entitled to the
same rights and privileges as any other child/youth.
A child/youth in care or custody has the right to:
.
a. the best possible quality of care;
b. be safe and secure;
c. be free from all forms of abuse;
d. be free from physical discipline;
e. be consulted and participate in decision making related to their placement and care, to
the extent of their ability;
f. educational opportunities (both formal & informal) that prepare them for the future;
g. make a complaint regarding any aspect of his/her care;
h. individual respect;
i. privacy in communication matters, such as mail and telephone, etc., where it is in the
best interests of the child/youth to do so;
j. regular access to their birth family where the court has not ordered otherwise and where
it is in the best interests of the child/youth to do so;
k. individual time each month with the social worker to discuss issues and concerns;
l. proper nutrition;
m. maintain their culture;
n. know the details of their personal and family circumstances and to be assisted in
interpreting this information, when it is in the child/youth(‘s) best interests to do so;
o. medical, vision and dental care;
p. appropriate clothing;
q. reasonable recreation and social activities; and
r. access their file in accordance with Section 71 of the CYCP Act
5
Rights of Foster Parents
Foster parents caring for a child/youth in the care or custody of a manager also have rights.
These include the right to:
a. a clear understanding of their role as foster parents with respect to the child/youth, the
birth parents and Child, Youth and Family Services;
b. recognition and acceptance as team members working with the social worker and other
professionals in providing services to children/youth in care and their birth families;
c. contribute to the development and implementation of the Plan for the Child ;
d. relevant information about the child/youth to enable them to meet the child/youth’s
needs;
e. relevant information that they may need to ensure the safety of the child/youth in care
and the foster family;
f. participate in training to develop the skills which may be required to care for the
child/youth in their home;
g. choose not to accept the placement request for a child/youth whose needs they feel
they are unable to meet, and the responsibility to advise the social worker if this is the
situation;
h. refuse to accept the placement of a child/youth if family circumstances are such that the
admission of another child/youth could prove detrimental to others in the family or the
family as a whole;
i. access their file in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act.
Responsibilities of Foster Parents
Foster parents are members of a caring team, working toward the goal of family reunification
and/or permanency planning for a child/youth. In order to provide the best possible care, there
must be ongoing and open communication between all the team members including: foster
parents, birth parents, social workers, and where age and developmentally appropriate, the
child/youth. Foster parents, through their participation as team members, make meaningful
contributions to the well-being of a child/youth and their families.
The responsibilities of foster parents include:
a. to report immediately to the social worker all critical occurrences including:
• the death of a child/youth in care;
• serious illness, or hospitalization of a child/youth in care;
• all allegations and accusations of abuse or mistreatment of a child/youth in
care whether or not the abuse occurred while the child/youth was in care;
• the absence of the child/youth from the foster home without permission;
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• the apprehension by the police and/or a charge under the Youth Criminal
Justice Act or the Young Persons Offenses Act;
• alcohol or drug use by a child/youth in care;
• the failure of a child/youth in care to attend school, the lack of an appropriate
school program or the suspension of the child/youth from school;
• events that may affect the care or well-being of a child/youth in care;
b. to ensure the child/youth‘s right to receive religious instruction and to participate in
religious activities of the child/youth’s choice;
c. to participate with the social worker in the ongoing evaluation of the home as a
placement resource;
d. to participate in available training and educational opportunities;
e. to adhere to the principles of confidentiality as it applies to a child/youth in care and
their families;
f. to regularly report to the social worker about the child/youth’s behaviour and progress;
g. to participate in the development and implementation of the In Care Progress Report
for the child/youth;
h. o support the birth parents by assisting and encouraging visits between the child/youth,
where it is in the best interests of the child/youth;
i. to participate in planning and facilitating the child/youth’s return to the birth family,
where it is in the child/youth’s best interests to do so;
j. to give reasonable notice, preferably one month, when requesting that a child/youth be
moved from the home;
k. to participate in planning for the child/youth’s transition to a subsequent placement
whether it is at home or in another in-care placement;
l. to notify the social worker of changes in the foster family’s circumstances or health that
may directly affect the care of the child/youth placed in their home;
m. to notify the social worker of any changes in the foster family’s composition (e.g. other
persons living in the home).
7
n. to ensure that the child/youth receives meals that are nutritious and appropriate, and
that the child/youth is provided with appropriate clothing;
o. to ensure that the child/youth receives regular medical and dental care;
p. to appear at court hearings concerning a child/youth in their home, as required;
q. to ensure that the child/youth is placed in an appropriate educational program;
r. to prepare a child/youth for independent living; and
s. to help each child/youth develop and/or maintain their life book.
Confidentiality
In your role as a foster parent you have access to
personal and confidential information about children/
youth placed in your home and their families. This
information is provided to enable you to adequately
care for the child/youth and meet his/her needs. It must
not be shared with relatives, friends, neighbors or other
foster parents. Information can be shared between
members of the child/youth(‘s) in care planning team.
Foster parents often rely on each other for support and
learn from each other and this is okay but it is not okay
to freely share personal information related to a
child/youth in your home or their families. For example, while it may be okay to talk about
challenging behaviors in an effort to better support a child/youth, it would not be okay to talk
about reasons why a child/youth is in care. It would also not be okay to talk about a
child/youth(s) birth family.
A child/youth, like anyone else, has the right to personal privacy. Foster parents are expected
to maintain the confidentiality of all children/youth placed in their home and to also respect
the privacy of the child/youth(‘s) birth family. Upon approval, foster parents must sign a
Declaration of Confidentiality prior to a child/youth being placed in their home.
Working with Birth Parents
Birth parents often experience feelings of inadequacy and
guilt when their child comes into care. Initially some families
may resist intervention and choose not to avail of the
support that is offered. Regardless of their circumstances and
reactions to Child, Youth and Family Services involvement,
there are basic expectations about how birth parents should
be treated by foster parents, social workers and other
professionals involved in the life of their child/youth.
8
These expectations include:
a. to be treated with respect;
b. to be consulted around decisions related to the child/youth(‘s) medical, dental and
emotional care (e.g. counseling) while the child/youth is in temporary care/custody;
c. to have visitation and/or telephone contact as appropriate, where it is in the best interest
of the child/youth;
d. to be provided with information about their child/youth(‘s) development, activities and
progress, where it is in the best interests of the child/youth;
e. to be given the opportunity to participate in appropriate and available services to meet
their identified needs (e.g. counselling) where it is in the best interests of their
child/youth;
f. to be given the opportunity to be involved in discussion to determine if family
reunification is possible, where it is in the best interests of the child/youth;
g. to be provided supports and services that would assist in creating opportunities for
family reunification, where it is in the best interests of the child/youth.
Foster parents not only care for a child/youth placed in
their home; they also work as a member of a team
working towards the goals of family reunification when
this is the plan for the child/youth. A positive, respectful
working relationship between the foster parent(s) and
birth parent(s) is always in the best interest of a
child/youth.
Responsibilities of Child, Youth and Family Services Social Workers
A social worker is a designate of a manager of Child, Youth and Family Services. A manager,
through the social worker, is legally responsible for planning for a child/youth in care.
The responsibilities of the social worker include:
a. in consultation with the planning team, to ensure that:
• the child/youth is the primary focus of all planning;
• the child/youth is included in planning appropriate to his/her age and
developmental stage;
• a plan is developed to maintain the child/youth(‘s) contact with the parent(s),
siblings, and others significant to the child/youth
• there is recognition of the importance of the child/youth(‘s) identity and there
is a plan to maintain cultural and community connections.
9
b. to maintain a minimum of monthly contact with the child/youth and to stay informed
of his/her progress, successes and difficulties;
c. to be an on-going support to the child/youth and the foster family;
d. to work cooperatively with foster parents;
e. to explain Child, Youth and Family Services policies to foster parents, to share background
information to assist foster parents in dealing with a specific child/youth and be available
to answer questions; and
f. to assist foster parents with challenges concerning the child/youth through consultation
or referral to appropriate agencies or resources.
After-Hours Social Worker
There is a social worker available outside normal working hours. The purpose of the after-hours
social worker is to help with any emergencies and to handle any situations that might come up
which require immediate attention (e.g. the child/youth requires immediate medical care, the
child/youth is missing, etc.). Ask your social worker for the telephone number to be used for
the after-hours social worker.
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Section 2: Child Youth and Family Services
Legislation and Policy
Policies and Procedures that reflect best practice in the
field of child welfare are established by the province to
regulate the In Care Program. The Policies and Procedures
included in this handbook are those that would be most
relevant for foster families. Due to space limitations and
relevance, some policies are condensed versions. The full
policy manual can be accessed at:
http://www.gov.nl.ca/cyfs/publications/childcare/
ProtectionandInCareServices_PoliciesProcedures.pdf or
www.nlffa.ca
An Overview
The Children and Youth Care and Protection Act (2011) (CYCP Act) is the legislative authority for
the delivery of services to children, youth and families in Newfoundland and Labrador including:
Protective Intervention Services, Children and Youth in Care, Placement Resources and the Youth
Services Program.
The CYCP Act includes a clear purpose statement
which is “to promote the safety and well-being
of children/youth who are in need of protective
intervention.” All interventions are based on
children/youth who are in need of protective
intervention and a range of supports and services
are provided to children, youth and families.
These activities are aimed at reducing risk to
children/youth to the point that such
interventions are not required.
All services provided under the CYCP Act are the
responsibility of the Department of Child, Youth
and Family Services and are delivered through four
regions which are represented by thirteen zones.
The Department of Child, Youth and Family Services is responsible for protecting children/youth
from maltreatment by their parents, and supporting the well-being and healthy development in
families and communities through provision of services and programs.
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Best Interest Principle
Section 9(1) of the CYCP Act states that the overriding and paramount consideration in a decision
made under the Act shall be the best interests of the child/youth. In determining a
child/youth(‘s) best interests, all relevant factors shall be considered, including:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
the child/youth(‘s) safety, health and well-being;
the child/youth(‘s) physical, emotional and developmental needs;
the child/youth(‘s) relationship with family or a person significant to the child/youth;
the child/youth(‘s) identity and cultural and community connections;
the child/youth(‘s) opinion regarding his/her care and custody or the provision of
services; and
f. the importance of stability and permanency in the context of the child/youth.
Duty to Report
The Act places a legal obligation on all individuals to report situations which fall within the
definition of a child in need of protective intervention. Section 11.(1) of the CYCP Act states
the following: “Where a person has information that a child is or may be in need of protective
intervention, the person shall immediately report the information to a manager, social
worker or a peace officer. “
While everyone has a legal obligation to report, foster parents by virtue of their
role within the child welfare program have a greater likelihood of being
involved in situations where they must report suspected child maltreatment.
If it is determined that a foster parent had knowledge of a situation where
a child was at risk and did not report, an investigation into the
circumstances surrounding the non-reporting may be initiated.
Referrals may be made anonymously; however, referral sources are
encouraged to give their name or provide some means to contact them
for further information. This will enable social workers to get additional
information during the investigation process, should it be considered
necessary. All names of referral sources are kept confidential unless the
referral source agrees to its release or the information is subpoenaed or
ordered by the court. Failure to report that a child is in need of protective
intervention constitutes an offence under Section 11.(8) of the CYCP Act.
Section 10.(1) of the CYCP Act states “A child is in need of protective intervention where
the child”
a) is being or is at risk of being, physically harmed by the action or lack of appropriate action
by the child’s parent;
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b) is being or is at risk of being, sexually abused or exploited by the child’s parent;
c) is being, or is at risk of being, emotionally harmed by the parent’s conduct and there are
reasonable grounds to believe that the emotional harm suffered by the child, or that
may be suffered by the child, results from the actions, failure to act or pattern of neglect
on the part of the child’s parent;
d) is being, or is at risk of being, physically harmed by a person and the child’s parent does
not protect the child;
e) is being, or is at risk of being, sexually abused or exploited by a person and the child’s
parent does not protect the child;
f) is being, or is at risk of being, emotionally harmed by a person and the child’s parent
does not protect the child;
g) is in the custody of a parent who refuses or fails to obtain or permit essential medical,
psychiatric, surgical or remedial care or treatment to be given to the child when
recommended by a qualified health practitioner;
h) is abandoned;
i) has no living parent and no adequate provision has been made for the child’s care;
j) has no parent available to care for the child and the parent has not made adequate
provision for the child’s care;
k) has no parent able or willing to care for the child;
l) is living in a situation where there is violence or is living in a situation where there is a
risk of violence;
m) is living with a parent whose actions show a propensity to violence or who has allegedly
killed or seriously injured another person;
n) has been left without adequate supervision appropriate to the child’s developmental
level; or
o) is actually or apparently under 12 years of age and has:
(i) allegedly killed or seriously injured another person or has caused serious damage to
another person’s property, or
(ii) on more than one occasion caused injury to another person or other living thing or
threatened, either with or without weapons, to cause injury to another person or
other living thing, either with the parent’s encouragement or because the parent
does not respond adequately to the situation.
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1. Policy: Children/Youth in Care
Policy 3.3: Effect of a Temporary Custody Order
1. A child/youth is in the temporary custody of a manager when such an order is made
under paragraph 32(2)(c) of the CYCP Act.
2. A manager or social worker has the legal authority to make all decisions regarding a
child/youth, except those related to medical treatment, during the period of temporary
custody.
3. While a child/youth is in the temporary custody of a manager, the manager or social
worker may consent to necessary medical treatment for the child/youth only when the
parent is unavailable or refuses to provide consent.
4. A manager shall not consent to an adoption of a child/youth in temporary custody
without the consent of the parent from whom the child/youth was removed.
Policy 3.4: Effect of a Continuous Custody Order
1. When an order for continuous custody is made under paragraph 32(2)(d) of the CYCP
Act, the manager becomes the sole custodian of the child/youth.
2. When a child/youth is in continuous custody every effort shall be made to develop a
permanent plan based on the best interest of the child/youth.
3. An order of continuous custody does not affect the rights of a child/youth with respect
to inheritance or succession to property.
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4. An application for custody of or access to a child/youth under the Children’s Law Act shall
not be made with respect to a child/youth who is the subject of a continuous custody
order made under the CYCP Act.
The manager or social worker has the right to make all decisions regarding the child/youth in
continuous custody. Where possible, the opinion of the child/youth will be taken into
consideration as part of the decision making process.
The social worker, in consultation with the child/youth(‘s) planning team shall develop a
permanent plan that best addresses the needs of the child/youth. This plan may include:
• adoption by a relative, significant other, foster parent or an individual or couple from the
approved adoption list;
• transfer of custody to a relative, significant other or foster parent;
• continuation of existing placement while continuing to explore a more permanent, legal
placement option (i.e. adoption, legal custody);
• transition to independent living.
Commentary: When children are placed in continuous custody, foster parents may experience
some mixed emotions about how their relationship with the child/youth may be impacted.
While they may be happy for the child that permanent plans are being made, they may
experience sadness if the plan involves the child leaving their home.
In keeping with the principles and the philosophy of the Children and Youth Care and Protection
Act, the child/youth’s extended family or a person who the child/youth has a significant
relationship with are carefully considered and given priority when seeking an adoptive or
permanent home for the child/youth.
When a child is legally available for adoption, a manager is responsible for determining the best
adoption plan; which may include relative/significant others, foster families or the provincial
adoptions list. Each child is assessed on an individual basis to determine a plan that is in the
best interest of the child.
Policy 3.5: Sharing of Information Relevant to the Care of a Child or Youth
The social worker shall ensure that the foster parent(s), residential care providers (e.g. group
home staff) and other persons, including personnel at schools or child care centres entrusted
with the care of a child/youth, are provided with information relevant to the care of that
child/youth.
15
On the day of placement, the social worker shall give the foster parent(s) or residential care
providers a copy of the child/youth’s placement card, in addition to the following:
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
h)
hospital and MCP card numbers (if available);
reasons for removal;
information on any special needs of the child or youth;
information that will assist in ensuring the child/youth(‘s) safety, including the need to
protect the child/youth from contact with another person;
information that will assist in ensuring the health and safety of any other person in the
home, including any health and safety risks posed by the child/youth towards the care
provider or other person in the home;
information on the day-to-day care/routines of the child/youth, including sleeping habits,
bedtime routine, food preferences, mealtime routines, and spiritual or cultural routines
(if available);
a description of the child/youth(‘s) personality and behaviour, including coping strategies,
fears, likes and dislikes (if available); and
information of any allegations of maltreatment involving the child/youth in previous
placement settings, and whether or not the allegations were investigated and the
outcome.
If an In Care Progress Report (IPR) has already been completed on the child/youth, the social
worker shall review this report with the foster parent(s) or residential care provider and give
them a written copy of the work plan portion of the IPR as soon as possible after the child/youth
is placed in the foster home or residential placement.
If an IPR has not been completed the social worker shall give the foster parent(s) or residential
care providers the following information as soon as possible after the child/youth is placed:
a) names of, and contact information for, the members of the child/youth(‘s) planning
team;
b) relevant family history;
c) family visiting/contact schedule;
d) medical information (e.g., any diagnosis, dental and vision needs) including any
outstanding medical needs or appointments, and the names of, and contact information
for, any health professionals involved with the child/youth;
e) developmental information including physical, social and emotional development;
f) extra-curricular and special interests, hobbies or habits;
g) any specific child/youth management approaches that will benefit the child/youth’s
development based on the child/youth(‘s) individual needs;
h) child/youth’s placement history including any circumstances that led to their disruption
or breakdown;
16
i) previous experiences in care or in the child/youth’s home that may explain the
child/youth’s attitude towards the foster parent or residential care provider, or that may
explain personal habits that cause concern or seem unusual;
j) details on how the child/youth’s family has reacted to his/her placement, including
feelings, attitudes and opinions about the child/youth being removed; and
k) any other information that will assist responding to the individual needs of the
child/youth.
The social worker shall advise the foster parent(s), residential care providers and other persons
entrusted with the child/youth(‘s) care that any information provided to them must be stored
in a secure location and returned to the social worker at the end of the child/youth’s placement
with them.
EXCEPTION TO POLICY:
If, in extenuating circumstances, a social worker does not have access to some information
relevant to the care of the child/youth, it shall be noted in the child/youth(‘s) file. The
information shall be provided as soon as it becomes available.
Policy: 3.6: Sharing Placement Information with a Child, Youth and Parent(s)
The social worker shall provide relevant information to the child/youth, in an age and
developmentally appropriate manner, about the foster home or residential program where
he/she is to be placed.
The social worker shall provide relevant information to the parent(s) about the foster home or
residential program where the child/youth is to be placed unless the manager or social worker
believes that sharing this information is not in the best interest of the child/youth.
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On the day of placement in a foster home, the social worker shall give the child/youth and
his/her parent(s) the following information about the home:
a) name(s), address and telephone number(s) of
the foster parent(s);
b) names and ages of all family members,
and ages of other children/youth in
care living in the home;
c) role of the foster parent(s);
d) home rules;
e) whether the foster parent(s)
smokes and whether they smoke
in the home;
f) when and where visits will take
place, and if visits will be supervised;
g) cultural heritage of the family;
h) religious affiliation and practices of the
family, and other religious/spiritual considerations
of importance to the child/ youth;
i) interests and hobbies in which the family regularly participates;
j) description of the foster parents’ personality;
k) any pets;
l) what the child/youth can expect regarding personal belongings and privacy; and
m) any other information that may assist the child/youth and family in adjusting to the
placement.
The social worker may arrange for a pre-placement visit for the child/youth if it is appropriate
and feasible. The social worker shall include the parent(s) in the pre-placement visit and/or
invite the parent(s) to accompany the child/youth when he/she is placed if it is deemed in the
best interest of the child/youth and the parent is willing/able to accompany the child/youth.
EXCEPTIONS TO POLICY:
1. If, in extenuating circumstances, a social worker does not have access to some
information concerning the placement of the child/youth, it shall be noted in the
child/youth’s file and in the file of the parent(s). The information should be provided as
soon as it becomes available.
2. The social worker in consultation with the supervisor may withhold information about
the placement resource if it is felt that sharing this information with the parent(s) may
place the child/youth or the placement providers at risk of harm.
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POLICY: 3.7 Placement Procedures
1. A social worker shall meet with the child/youth in the care or custody of a manager on
the day of placement and again within seven (7) days after the removal of a child/youth.
2. A social worker shall ensure that a child/youth who enters the care or custody of a
manager is medically examined within three (3) days of placement after a removal of a
child or youth.
3. A social worker shall ensure that a child/youth is medically examined immediately where
the child/youth has a physical injury, has an apparent medical condition or there is
evidence that a child/youth has been physically or sexually abused.
4. The social worker shall provide a foster parent or residential care provider with
information relevant to the child/youth’s care as outlined in the Placement: Sharing of
Information Relevant to the Care of a Child/Youth policy.
5. The social worker shall ensure that wherever possible, a child/youth’s personal
belongings accompany the child/youth during his/her initial placement following a
removal and/or when a child/youth transitions to a new placement.
EXCEPTIONS TO POLICY:
If, in exceptional circumstances, a child/youth(‘s) personal belongings cannot accompany the
child/youth during a removal or when the child/youth is transitioning to a new placement (e.g.
there is an immediate risk to the child/youth or the item is large and cannot be transported
immediately), the child/youth(‘s) belongings should be transported as soon as possible and no
later than 7 days following the placement.
Commentary: The placement of a child/youth is guided by the philosophy and principles of
the Children and Youth Care and Protection Act. The overriding principle and paramount
consideration for decisions made under the CYCP Act is the best interest of the child/youth.
The placement of a child/youth is determined using the least intrusive means of intervention
that would adequately protect the child/youth. Relatives, non-custodial parents and individuals
significant to the child/youth are considered first when exploring placement options. If a family
member or significant other is unavailable, the child/youth should be matched with an approved
regular foster family or another approved residential setting that best meets that child/youth(‘s)
needs. Siblings should be placed together. All efforts must be made to ensure that a child/youth
remain connected to their family and other significant individuals unless it is deemed not to be
in a child/youth’s best interest.
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The practices relating to the placement of child/youth must also reflect the principles of Parent
Resources for Information, Development and Education (PRIDE). When a child/youth is placed
in a foster home, the social worker must work as part of a team to ensure that the child/ youth
is nurtured and protected, that his/her developmental and cultural needs are being addressed
and that significant relationships are being supported. The social worker is responsible to ensure
that quality care is being provided to the child/youth and that foster homes are approved and
monitored based on provincial standards.
When a child/youth is removed from his/her parent(s) or another person who is caring for
him/her, the emotional impact on the child/youth can be significant. The child/youth may not
understand why he or she is being removed and may experience a range of feelings including:
shock, denial, anger, fear and/or depression. It is very important that the foster parent(s) be
aware of the stages of loss and grief so they are able to understand and support the
child/youth(‘s) emotional and behavioral reaction to being placed in a new home.
The social worker will provide ongoing support to the child/youth and to the family. The social
worker will need to assess the child/youth(‘s) adjustment to your home. She/he will meet with
the child/youth at a minimum of once a month. In-person contact with the child/youth outside,
as well as within the home, will enable the social worker to develop a relationship with the
child/youth and also provide opportunities to observe the interaction between the child/youth
and the foster family members.
Policy: 3.8 Consulting and Informing a Child or Youth
The social worker must have, at minimum,
one (1) in person contact per month with
each child/youth in care or custody.
The social worker shall ensure that
children/youth in the care or custody of a
manager, where age and developmentally
appropriate, are informed and consulted
regarding significant decisions affecting
their care and custody.
Where age and developmentally appropriate, a social worker shall advise a child /youth, who
is the subject of a proceeding, of their right to have their views known. This may include giving
evidence in court, writing a letter, meeting with the judge in chambers or expressing his/her
views in some other way.
If a child/youth is in the care and/or custody of a manager and expresses an interest in seeking
legal representation, the social worker shall facilitate the child/youth(‘s) request by contacting
20
the Newfoundland and Labrador Legal Aid Commission to set up an appointment for the
child/youth.
The child/youth, if age and developmentally appropriate, shall be part of the In Care Planning
Team and inform the development and review of the In Care Progress Report (IPR).
The social worker shall inform and consult every child/youth in care, when it is age and
developmentally appropriate, regarding the range of alternatives available to them after they
reach their 16th birthday.
Commentary: When a child/youth is removed from their family, they experience many losses
including the loss of control over what is happening in their lives. One way to support
children/youth around this is to provide them with an opportunity to share their views and
wishes and to involve them in decisions regarding their care and custody, where possible. The
social worker maintains regular in-person contact with the child/youth in order to develop and
maintain an open, trusting relationship in which the child/youth feels comfortable and secure
in sharing his or her views and opinions.
Children/youth should be informed of and/or involved in decisions that affect their care or
custody including, but not limited to the following:
•
•
•
•
•
significant decisions affecting their life and the plan for the child/youth;
reasons why they were placed in care and custody;
access and visitation arrangements;
details and duration of placement; and
legal matters.
Policy: 3.9 In Care Progress Report
Planning for a child/youth in care or custody is an ongoing process and it is the responsibility
of the social worker, in consultation with the In Care Planning Team, to ensure that:
a) the child/youth is the primary focus of all planning;
b) permanency planning for the child/youth is paramount;
c) planning is based on the child/youth(‘s) needs, age and developmental stage, and is
consistent with the Plan for the Child submitted to the Court;
d) there is a plan to maintain the child/youth(‘s) contact with the parent(s), family or
significant others. If a child/youth is not maintaining family contact, the reason why shall
be documented;
e) there is recognition of the importance of the child/youth(‘s) identity and there is a plan
to maintain cultural and community connections;
21
f) identified supports and services outlined in the In Care Progress Report (IPR) are provided
and if not, the reason shall be documented;
g) established plans are meeting the child/youth(‘s) needs; and
h) IPR plans are reviewed and updated as necessary but at minimum every six (6) months.
The In Care Progress Report (IPR) is a living document that monitors ongoing case planning,
progress and outcomes for every child/youth in the care or custody of a manager. It also provides
a written history of a child/youth(‘s) life in care, and contains crucial information when a former
child/youth in care requests information about their past through file disclosure.
There are three IPR templates (birth – school age; school age – 12 years of age; 12 – 18 years
of age) which outline the information that the social worker shall include in the report based
on the age of the child/youth.
The social worker shall develop and review the IPR in consultation with the members of the In
Care Planning Team using the following guidelines:
i. initial IPR shall be completed within six (6) months of a child/youth entering the care or
custody of a manager;
ii. the IPR shall be updated every six (6) months after the initial report is completed;
iii. the IPR shall be updated before a child/youth leaves the care or custody of a manager or
is placed for the purpose of adoption; and
iv. a case conference must be held with the In Care Planning Team as part of developing
and updating the IPR.
The social worker shall discuss the written IPR with a child who is 12 years of age and over, or
a youth, where developmentally appropriate, and place the original in the child/youth’s file.
The child/youth may be given a copy of the IPR. The IPR shall be reviewed with the child/youth’s
foster parent(s) or residential care provider and they will be provided a copy of the work plan.
Policy 3.10: Counselling for a Child/Youth Following Removal
Children/youth who have been removed from a residential placement or from the care of a
person with whom they have been placed by a manager or social worker are entitled to
counselling.
Upon removal from a residential placement or the care of a person with whom they were placed
by a manager or social worker, the child/youth shall be informed, in a developmentally
appropriate manner, of the reasons for removal and the plans for their care.
The social worker shall provide supportive counselling to the child/youth following the removal.
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The social worker shall assess the child/youth’s need for further counselling and make referrals
to other service providers if required.
Commentary: At the time of removal, the child/youth may not understand why he/she is being
removed and may experience a range of emotions. Every effort must be made to ensure that
the child/youth‘s questions are answered, keeping in mind his/her age and developmental level.
Policy 3.11: Access
A social worker or manager shall determine the nature of access between a child/youth and
his/her family or significant others. Where access is determined to be in the best interest of the
child/youth, the social worker shall facilitate this access.
In determining the nature of the access between a child/youth and their family or other
significant people in their lives, the social worker, in consultation with a supervisor, shall
consider:
a) the best interest of the child/youth;
b) the age and developmental stage of the child or
youth;
c) the purpose of the access, including the promotion
of attachment between the child and a parent or
other significant person;
d) the wishes of the child or youth;
e) the wishes of the parent;
f) the long term plan for the child; and
g) risks that may be associated with contact between
the child/youth and a parent or another person.
Photo courtesy of The Nunatsiaunt Government
used with permission
The social worker shall consult with the foster parent(s) or the residential care provider to
discuss the plan for access and determine their ability to support the plan. The social worker
may need to consider the foster parent(s) work schedule or the needs of other children/youth
who may reside in the home when developing an access schedule.
The social worker shall encourage the foster parent(s) or the residential care provider to be
involved in the child/youth’s access with their family or other significant people wherever
possible.
Visits between a child/youth and their family should occur in the least restrictive environment
as possible. The social worker shall first consider whether visits can occur in the parental
home, a relative’s home, or the child/youth(‘s) placement, before considering a community
location or a CYFS site.
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Where required, access visits may be supervised by another family member or significant person
in the child/youth(s) life, a foster parent, or a residential placement provider, or residential
placement provider, a social worker or another person determined to be appropriate by the
social worker and supervisor.
Contact between a child/youth and their family or other significant people shall be assessed on
an on-going basis to ensure the access plan is responsive to the needs of the child or youth.
Commentary: Foster parents are expected to support the child/youth(‘s) relationship with
his/her family and help the child/youth maintain contact unless directed otherwise by the social
worker. This is especially important for the child/youth(‘s) emotional well-being and family
reunification. There are many ways to support and maintain a child/youth(‘s) attachments when
he/she enters care. Family visits, telephone contact, letters and sharing family history
information with a child/youth, are all means of maintaining attachments. The younger the
child, the more important it is for them to have frequent and ongoing contact with their family.
Children/youth in care and custody often experience disruptions in the continuity of
relationships with family members and other significant people in their lives. These connections
provide children/youth with a sense of belonging and permanence, personal identity, selfesteem and an understanding of their culture. Supporting and maintaining significant
relationships that are deemed in the child/youth’s best interest is an important role of foster
parents. All children/youth coming into care will experience feelings related to separation and
loss of parent(s)/significant others to whom they are attached. Even when a child/youth is
maltreated, an attachment generally exists with the parent. A child/youth’s response to
separation and loss may be affected by a number of factors including:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
age of the child/youth;
degree and nature of attachment;
number of previous separation(s);
duration of separation;
child/youth(‘s) ability to understand why there was a separation;
nature of loss; and
support given in new environment.
It is important that foster parents have an understanding of how children are impacted by
separation and loss so that they can support children in their grieving process. For example, it
would be quite normal for a child who is grieving to become upset prior to or following a
parental visit, but if someone does not understand how children may grieve, the child’s reaction
could be misunderstood and/or misinterpreted. It is important that the foster parent(s) discuss
any concern regarding access with the social worker who can assess the situation and provide
feedback.
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Policy: 3.12 Life Books
Each child/youth in the care or custody of a manager
shall have a life book. A life book is the property of
the child/youth and will remain with them should
their living arrangement change.
The life book may be compiled in a variety of formats
(e.g. album, scrapbook, memory box) but should be in a form that a child/youth can have access
to and look through freely. The child/youth shall be permitted to make decisions about when
and with whom their life book is shared.
Where possible, the life book should contain the following:
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
birth information;
information about infancy and toddler developmental milestones;
any pertinent health facts;
a description or a picture of the child/youth’s birth parents;
a description or picture of the child/youth’s siblings or other people significant in the
life of a child/youth;
f) an honest, yet sensitive, description about why the child/youth is not living with their
parent(s);
g) an honest, yet sensitive, description about why the child/youth may have experienced a
change in placement (if applicable);
h) a record of significant family events, traditions or special visits;
i) names and/or pictures of foster parents and homes;
j) records and mementos of special achievements (e.g. report cards, certificates);
k) records of important anniversaries;
l) photographs (e.g. baby pictures, yearly school photos, birthday parties, vacations, other
events); and
m) other items or observations the child/youth would like to include.
Commentary: Life books are important because they
provide a way for children/youth to maintain a record
of important people and life events. The process of
compiling a life book is also important as it can
provide a child/youth with the opportunity to share
their thoughts and feelings about their past and
current experiences. It also helps them understand
their life story and can provide continuity during
periods of transition. Working on a life book provides
an opportunity for a child/youth and his/her foster
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family to talk about family, friends and what is important in their life. A life book also
acknowledges the importance of connections and personal history. It can be as simple or as
elaborate as the child/youth would like. Generally, foster parents should take the lead in getting
a life book started, but it is important that the child/youth, when age appropriate, is actively
involved in deciding what is contained in the life book.
The life book is the property of the child/youth and must accompany the child/youth if there is
a change in placement and when returning home or exiting care.
Policy: 3.13 Personal Privacy
Every child/youth in the care or custody of a manager is entitled
to personal privacy.
All documentation regarding a child/youth in the care or custody
of a manager shall be kept in a secure location in the foster home
or residential placement.
Personal information or pictures of children/youth in the care or
custody of a manager shall not be posted on social media outlets
by their foster parent(s) or any other person providing care to the
child or youth.
The child/youth’s right to privacy can be demonstrated by:
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
h)
knocking before entering a child/youth(‘s) bedroom;
providing storage space for his/her belongings;
requesting permission to have access to his/her space;
allowing the child/youth to remove himself/herself from the group living situation for
quiet moments in his/her room;
permitting and encouraging the child/youth to have personal belongings in the home
that reflect his/her individuality and continuity with his/her family, culture or community;
allowing the child/youth privacy when making/receiving telephone calls.
allowing the child/youth to send and receive mail or email that is not read or examined
by another person unless there are reasonable grounds to suspect prohibited articles or
material are being sent/received. In this situation correspondence may be opened or
reviewed by the foster parent, residential care provider or the social worker in the
child/youth(‘s) presence; and
ensuring that correspondence from the child/youth’s solicitor shall only be opened by
or at the request of the child/youth.
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Commentary: Every child/youth in care/custody is entitled to personal privacy. When foster
parents demonstrate that a child/youth has a right to privacy, the child/youth is given a message
that he/she is respected and his/her personal rights are valued. When foster parents’ role model
appropriate boundaries and are respectful of the personal privacy of everyone living in the
home, it allows a child/youth to feel safe and gives him/her an opportunity to learn more about
privacy and boundaries. Helping a child/youth develop a good understanding of personal
boundaries and the importance of privacy can improve his/her interaction with their foster
family, their peers and other adults.
Storage of Information Pertaining to a Child/Youth in the Care or Custody of a Manager
A social worker shall ensure that foster parents and residential care providers are aware that
they must keep all confidential records and documentation pertaining to any child/youth placed
in their home in a secure location. Information to be securely stored includes:
a) the Placement Card;
b) medical and dental information;
c) information relating to the plan for the child/youth;
d) assessment information;
e) notes, observations, or other reports prepared by the foster parent or residential care
provider about the child/youth;
f) legal documents (e.g. court notices, Plan for the Child, or Youth Criminal Justice Act
documents, where applicable);
g) signed consent forms; and
h) school information.
When a child/youth leaves a foster home or other residential setting, the social worker shall
ensure that all records and documentation pertaining to the child/youth are returned to the
social worker or moved with the child/youth.
Social Media
A social worker shall ensure that foster parents and residential care providers are aware that
they shall not post photos or other information about the child/youth in care or custody on
social media websites (e.g. Facebook, Twitter).
Privacy and Technology
The social worker shall talk with the foster parents and other residential care providers to ensure
that they are aware of the importance of monitoring a child/youth’s usage of technology and
providing age and developmentally appropriate expectations regarding computer and internet
access and the use of mobile devices (e.g. cell phones, iPhones).
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Commentary: With respect to the identification of a child/youth
in care, foster parents should be aware that the publication of
photographs, preparation of audio/visual tapes and/or interviews
with the media which discloses identifying information regarding
a child/youth in care or their families is not permitted. A
child/youth in care is not to be identified in the media. If foster
parents are identified or featured in written, visual or audio media
coverage, they must ensure that the child/youth’s confidentiality
is respected and protected.
It is okay for a child/youth in care to be included in school photos,
party pictures, family gatherings, etc., as long as they are not
identified publically as being in care.
Policy 3.14: A Child/Youth Absent Without Permission
1. Where information is received that a child/youth may be absent without permission
(absent), the child/youth’s social worker shall first determine that the absence does not
meet the definition of an abducted child/youth or missing child/youth.
2. Where a child/youth is determined to be absent, a social worker shall immediately;
a. collaborate with the child/youth’s foster parent or residential staff person and determine
what steps may be taken to help locate the child/youth;
b. consult with a supervisor to share all information known about the child/youth; and
c. ensure that support is provided to the child/youth following his/her return.
3. Once a child/youth’s absence meets the definition of a missing child/youth or the
child/youth has been absent for more than five (5) hours he/she is considered missing. A
social worker shall then refer to the Planning: A Child/Youth Missing or Abducted policy
for direction.
Foster parents or residential staff persons are expected to immediately inform a social worker
when a child/youth is absent without permission.
Actions taken to locate an absent child/youth may include conducting a search of the
neighborhood or contacting friends and family for information. The foster parent(s) or
residential staff person and social worker shall immediately share new information with each
other as new information may result in the social worker upgrading the child/youth’s status to
missing or abducted.
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When an absent child/youth returns home, the foster parent or residential staff person shall
immediately contact a social worker to discuss the following:
a) the child/youth’s demeanor since his/her return;
b) the circumstances surrounding the child/youth’s absence; and
c) if a social worker should follow up with the child/youth to discuss the absence or if the
foster parent or residential staff person will discuss the absence with the child/youth.
A social worker shall also discuss the child/youth’s absence with the child/youth’s foster parent
or residential staff person to:
a)
b)
c)
d)
discuss the circumstances regarding the child/youth’s absence;
obtain information about the child/youth’s demeanor since his/her return;
discuss what factors may increase or reduce the likelihood of future episodes; and
determine what steps may be taken to prevent future episodes.
Commentary: If the child/youth returns to the foster home on his/her own accord, the foster
parent(s) should notify the social worker immediately. Outside regular working hours, the oncall social worker must be contacted.
Policy 3.15: A Child/Youth Missing or Abducted
1. Where a child/youth is missing or has been
abducted, a social worker shall ensure that:
a) all appropriate parties are notified, including
a supervisor, manager, foster parent or
residential staff person, parent(s), Provincial
Office through the Provincial Director of Child
Protection and In Care and the consultant for
Youth Services, and/or police;
b) efforts are undertaken to locate and return
the child/youth to his/her placement; and
c) support is provided to the child/youth, his/her
foster parent or residential care provider and parent(s) following the child/youth’s
return.
2. A child/youth is determined to be missing if they have been absent for more than five
(5) hours.
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3. Where a child/youth is missing or has been abducted and a media release or Amber Alert
is planned, a social worker shall advise the police that information regarding the
child/youth’s involvement with CYFS shall not be publicly released.
In most situations, social workers are informed by a foster parent or a residential staff person
when a child/youth is missing or has been abducted. If a social worker is advised by another
source, he/she shall contact the foster parent or residential staff person to:
a)
b)
c)
d)
inform them of the situation;
discuss all information known about the child/youth;
determine what steps to take to locate the child/youth; and
identify who shall complete each step.
For example, a foster parent or residential staff person may contact the police to file the missing
person’s report and/or update other parties regarding the child/youth’s status. Notwithstanding
the foster parent’s or residential staff person’s role in responding to a child/youth’s absence,
the social worker is responsible for ensuring that agreed upon steps as noted above are
undertaken.
Once a child/youth has returned to a placement, a social worker shall contact the child/youth
within 24 hours to provide support. In situations where the child/youth’s immediate safety was,
or is, identified as a concern, a meeting shall occur with the child/youth as soon as possible and
within 24 hours.
A social worker shall also discuss the missing/abducted episode with the child/youth’s foster
parent(s) or residential staff person to:
•
•
•
•
discuss the circumstances regarding the child/youth’s missing/abducted episode;
obtain information about the child/youth’s demeanor since his/her return;
discuss what factors may increase or reduce the likelihood of future episodes; and
determine what steps may be taken to prevent future episodes.
Support shall also be provided to foster parents or residential staff persons who may have been
negatively impacted by the child/youth’s missing/abducted episode.
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Policy 3.16: Continuous Custody Order Ceases to Have Effect for a Child or Youth
A continuous custody order shall cease to have effect when:
a) a youth reaches 18 years of age;
b) a youth marries;
c) custody of the child/youth is transferred to another person; other than to another
manager under s.43;
d) a youth’s written request to have the order set aside is approved by a manager; or
e) the court rescinds the order.
Policy 3.17: A Youth’s Request to Have a Continuous Custody Order Set Aside
1. A youth in the continuous custody of a manager may make a written request that the order
be set aside.
2. A continuous custody order shall cease to have effect once a youth’s written request to have
the order set aside is approved by a manager.
3. All requests to have an order set aside shall be approved unless it is
determined that a youth lacks the mental capacity to understand and
appreciate the consequences of their request.
When an order for continuous custody is granted, a social worker shall
explain to a child/youth that the continuous custody order will
remain in effect until their 18th birthday, however, after their 16th
birthday (the age at which they are legally considered a youth), they
have an option to make a written request to have the continuous
custody order set aside.
Informed Decision Making
Where a child/youth has advised that they are considering making a
request to have an order set aside, a social worker shall:
a) provide information and support to help ensure that the
child/youth understands the implications of making a request to have
an order set aside;
b) discuss with the child/youth the reason they plan to make the request to
determine if there are issues influencing their decision that may be resolved;
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c) explain to a child/youth that once a continuous
custody order is set aside it cannot be reinstated and
that consent for medical services, or school outings,
for example, cannot be provided by a social worker;
d) encourage the child/youth to seek independent
legal advice;
e) offer to facilitate the meeting if a child/ youth wants
to consult with a lawyer;
f) where appropriate, encourage the child/youth to
discuss their options with their foster family, parents
or other significant people in their life; and
g) facilitate meetings between the child/youth and
service providers in the community for the purposes
of information gathering regarding supports and
services available to them.
Assessing a Youth’s Mental Capacity to Understand and Appreciate
the Consequences of Making a Request
The assessment of a youth’s mental capacity shall be based on a variety of factors specific to a
particular youth. The information required to complete an assessment may be drawn from a
variety of sources, such as: school reports, psychological and/or psychiatric reports, medical
reports, and information provided during interviews with the youth, his/her parent(s) and formal
and informal supports.
When assessing a youth’s mental capacity, the social worker shall consider:
a) whether the youth has limitations in the areas of self-care, life skills and/or communication/
social relationships which affect the youth’s ability to understand and appreciate the
consequences of decisions that may impact their immediate safety and well-being;
b) whether the limitations are: permanent; experienced by the youth over the course of
his/her life; or experienced for a prolonged period of time; and
c) whether the youth also has a disability that has been diagnosed in childhood, such as
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder; an acquired brain injury; or severe and persistent
symptoms indicative of a mental illness, with little to no period of stabilization.
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Examples of limitations may include the following:
a) Self-care – cannot complete one or more of the six basic activities of daily living
(feeding/eating, bathing, dressing, toileting, walking and continence); does not have the
ability to secure food and shelter, maintain basic personal hygiene and manage one’s
basic physical and mental health;
b) Life Skills – has not acquired and does not have the capacity to acquire important life
skills such as preparing basic meals, taking public transportation, doing laundry, cleaning
a home, and managing one’s money; and
c) Communication/social interaction – cannot communicate and/or engage socially with
others including, the ability to express one’s thoughts, to comprehend what others are
saying, to understand basic written instructions (for reasons other than illiteracy) and to
relate socially with individuals.
This assessment is not meant to include a youth who engages in drug and/or alcohol use,
which temporarily alters his/her mental capacity or a youth who experiences a brief period
of mental health instability. These situations likely reflect a youth who has the ability to
understand and appreciate the consequences of his/her decision but continues to act in a
way that may compromise his/her safety and well-being.
After assessing a youth’s mental capacity, the social worker and supervisor shall make a written
recommendation to the manager on whether to approve or decline a youth’s request to have
an order set aside. A manager shall make the final decision whether to approve or decline a
request to have an order set aside.
Transition Planning Where a Request Has Been Approved
Once a request to have an order set aside has been
approved, a continuous custody order cannot be
reinstated. However, a youth may continue to receive
support via a Youth Services Agreement (YSA).
If the youth is in agreement, the transition from a foster
home/residential placement does not have to occur
immediately and should involve an opportunity to
develop a transition plan with the youth.
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Policy 3.18: Transitioning to the Youth Services Program from the In Care Program
Youth shall be informed of their options when transitioning from the In Care program to the
Youth Services program and transition planning shall occur with the youth wherever possible
and to the extent the youth is willing to accept.
If a youth is in the Temporary Custody of a Manager, the custodial relationship ends when he
or she reaches his or her 16th birthday unless an application for a subsequent order for
Continuous Custody has been filed with the court prior to the child’s 16th birthday. In these
cases, the youth will remain in temporary custody through a bridging provision in accordance
with s.37 of the CYCP Act until the matter is heard or a Notice of Discontinuance is filed with
the court.
If a youth is in the Continuous Custody of a Manager, the custodial relationship ends when he
or she reaches his or her 18th birthday. Prior to his or her 18th birthday, a youth in the
Continuous Custody of a manager may make a written request to have his or her continuous
order set aside and leave the custodial relationship with a manager in accordance with s.41 of
the CYCP Act.
When the custodial relationship ends between a manager and a youth, the youth may:
a) remain in his or her foster home or residential
placement under a Youth Services Agreement
(YSA);
b) return to live with his or her parent(s) and receive
supportive services under a YSA;
c) choose to live independently in the community
under a YSA; or
d) leave his or her placement and choose not to
avail of services from the Youth Services
program.
Remaining in his or her foster home or placement under a YSA:
Where a youth remains in a foster home or other placement under a YSA, the Youth Services
Plan will outline the manner in which the youth will be encouraged to assume more
responsibility and learn life skills important for independence. For example, where appropriate
the youth may be provided with a personal or clothing allowance and may be responsible for
purchasing items for themselves.
Where a youth signs a YSA and continues to reside in his or her foster home, the foster parent
may continue to receive the basic foster care rate, block funding and level fee (in accordance
34
with the level of the home) up to the youth’s 19th birthday or completion of high school,
whichever occurs first. The foster parent and the youth will continue to be financially supported
in accordance with the Children and Youth In Care financial policies.
If upon completion of high school the youth enrolls in a post-secondary education program, the
foster parent shall continue to receive the basic foster care rate in accordance with the Basic
Foster Care Rate policy. The youth will receive all other applicable Youth Services allowances
directly in accordance with the Residential and Supportive Services for Youth policy.
Where a youth has a developmental disability or other complex special needs, financial support
may continue to be provided to the foster parent as if the youth were in care under the CYCP
Act even though the youth has had his or her 18th birthday.
Leaving placement and choosing not to sign a YSA
Once the custodial relationship ends, a youth may not wish to receive any support from the
Youth Services program. In these cases, a youth shall be advised that they may be eligible to
apply for services in the future as outlined in the Assessing Service Eligibility and Determining
a Youth’s Need for Protective Intervention and the Youth Services Agreement policies.
Policy 3.19: Medical Consent
1. Where a child/youth is in the Interim Care of a manager, the social worker or manager
may authorize a qualified health practitioner to examine the child/youth and may
consent to necessary health care where a parent cannot be contacted to provide consent.
2. Where a child/youth is in the Interim Custody or Temporary Custody of a manager, the
social worker, or the manager may authorize a qualified health practitioner to examine
the child/youth and may consent to necessary medical treatment where the parent is
unavailable to provide consent or refuses to provide consent for the treatment.
3. Where a child is in the Continuous Custody of a manager, the social worker, or manager
may authorize a qualified health practitioner to examine the child/youth and may provide
consent for medical treatment.
Commentary: The Protection and In Care Policy and Procedures Manual outlines the procedure
that must be followed when a medical consent is required. Foster parents do not have the legal
authority to provide medical consent for children or youth in their care. If medical consent is
required for a child/youth placed in a foster home, a social worker must be contacted and they
will arrange to have the consent signed by the appropriate person. If a medical consent is
required after hours, the foster parent(s) must contact or direct the Health Care Professional
to contact the after-hours social worker.
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Policy 3.20: Consent to Travel
1. Where a child is in the interim care of a manager, the
parent from whom the child or youth was removed
must provide consent for travel.
2. Where a child or youth is in the interim, temporary,
or continuous custody of a manager:
a) a social worker shall provide consent for a child or youth
to travel within the province.
b) a supervisor shall provide consent for a child or youth to travel to another province or
territory within Canada.
c) a manager shall provide consent for a child or youth to travel internationally.
Where a child or youth is in the interim care of a manager, the parent from whom the child was
removed must consent to travel.
When a social worker receives a travel request for a child or youth, they shall first consider the
nature of the request (i.e. school trip, vacation with a foster parent) and the plans in place to
ensure the safety of the child or youth prior to providing consent.
When a child or youth who is in the custody of a manager wishes to travel within the province,
a social worker may provide consent for travel. This consent may be provided verbally and shall
be documented on the child or youth’s file.
When a child or youth who is in the custody of a manager wishes to travel within Canada, a
letter of permission to travel must be completed and signed by a supervisor.
When a child or youth who is in the custody of a manager wishes to travel internationally, a
letter of permission to travel must be completed and signed by a manager.
A letter of permission to travel, along with necessary travel and identification documents shall
be provided to the person accompanying the child or youth. The permission letter shall contain
the following information:
a) child or youth’s name;
b) child or youth’s date of birth;
c) child or youth’s address;
d) date of travel;
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e) name, date of birth and address of the persons with whom the child or youth is authorized
to travel;
f) name, address, telephone and fax numbers of the manager who has custody of the child
or youth; and
g) emergency contact numbers should consent for medical treatment be required.
Where a child or youth is in the interim or temporary custody of a manager, the parent’s consent
for travel shall be sought, however is not required in order for the child or youth to travel.
Where consent to travel is provided for a child or youth in interim or temporary custody of a
manager the parent(s) shall be informed as soon as possible.
Where consent to travel is provided for a child or youth in the continuous custody of a manager
and the child or youth maintains contact with their parent(s), the parent shall be informed of
the travel as soon as possible.
Where a passport is required for a child or youth in care, the social worker shall work with the
foster parent or residential care provider to complete the application as required by Passport
Canada. Information regarding applications and requirements related to passports for children
and youth in care can be found online at
http://www.ppt.gc.ca/form/adoption.aspx?lang=eng
Policy 3.21: Health Services for the Child or Youth
Children/youth in the care or custody of a manager are entitled to complete medical, dental
and vision coverage provided through:
a) Medical Care Plan (MCP);
b) Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug
Program (NLPDP); and
c) Child, Youth and Family Services (CYFS) direct
payment for service.
The social worker shall advise foster parents and
residential Service Providers that should a child or youth
in the care or custody of a manager become ill, he or
she should be taken to the family doctor or the nearest medical facility.
The MCP card shall be provided to the foster parent or residential Service Provider and shall
accompany the child/youth if his or her living arrangement changes.
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Immunizations
The social worker shall ensure that all infants and pre-school children are referred to the
community health nurse in their area. The social worker shall obtain a child’s immunization
record where available and ensure that it is updated and accompanies the child if his or her
living arrangement changes or the child returns home.
Dental Care
A social worker shall ensure that a child/youth in the care or custody
of a manager receives at minimum an annual dental checkup and
any necessary follow up (e.g. fillings, extractions, etc.) is completed.
Where it is recommended by an orthodontist, a manager may
approve braces for a child/youth where the plan is for the child
to remain in care for the duration that the braces will be required.
Where dental services are not covered by another program or
private insurance, the following may be approved by a supervisor:
a) an examination and cleaning every 12 months;
b) Routine fillings, extractions and root canals; and
c) emergency examinations and treatment.
Vision Care
A social worker shall ensure that a child/youth in the care or custody of a manager receives at
minimum an annual eye exam and that any necessary follow-up is completed.
Vision care includes eye examinations, prescription glasses or contact lenses, repairs to
prescription glasses as well as replacement glasses when glasses cannot be repaired. A
supervisor may approve the following services:
a) Eye Examination – up to a maximum of $70.00
b) Glasses or Contacts - $300.00
c) The cost of repairs for damaged glasses not exceeding the amount to purchase replacement
glasses.
The social worker shall inform the foster parent or the residential Service Provider of the cost
guidelines and efforts shall be made to receive the service at these rates. In an area where the
normal rate for these services exceeds the guidelines above, extra funding may be approved
by the RD.
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Commentary: Foster parents have a responsibility to make regular dental, vision and medical
appointments for a child/youth in care and ensure necessary follow-up is provided. Foster
parents cannot provide medical consent for a child/youth in their care.
Other Services
The social worker in consultation with other members of the In-care Planning Team shall
consider any other services the child/youth may require (e.g. Occupational Therapy, counselling,
etc.) If services are required, the child/youth shall be referred to community services or those
offered by a Regional Health Authority where available. When these services are not available
or are not considered sufficient to meet the child/youth’s needs, funding may be approved for
private services for children and youth in care placed in Level 1, 2 or 3 placements. These
services can be approved as follows:
a) Supervisor – up to $300 per month
b) Manager – up to $400 per month (this includes the $300 that the supervisor can approve)
c) ADM – exceptional circumstances in excess of $400 per month.
Policy 3.22: Hospitalization
1. Where a child/youth in the care or custody of a manager has been admitted to a hospital,
the social worker shall actively monitor the child/youth(‘s) progress.
2. Where a child/youth in the care or custody of a manager has been admitted to a hospital
for treatment, the social worker shall inform the parent(s) and facilitate contact where
appropriate.
The social worker shall advise the foster parent or residential care provider that they must be
informed immediately when a child/youth in the care or custody of a manager is taken via
ambulance, medevaced, or admitted to hospital.
The social worker shall maintain, at minimum, daily contact with the hospital to monitor the
progress of the child/youth.
The social worker shall provide on-going information to the foster parent, residential care
provider and the parent(s) to ensure they are aware of the child/youth(‘s) progress and
condition. The social worker shall develop a plan with the foster parent(s) or the residential
care provider(s) regarding visiting and supporting the child/youth while they are in the hospital.
The social worker shall work with hospital staff to develop a discharge plan for the child/youth
that shall include provisions for who will assume care of the child/youth upon discharge. The
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social worker shall consult with the foster parent or residential care provider to ensure they are
equipped to respond to any health needs for the child/youth.
Commentary: The foster parent(s) may be involved in visiting, providing on-going support,
being involved in treatment plans and discharge planning. The foster family may also provide
support to the birth family during this time, where it is appropriate to so.
Policy 3.23: Financial Services for the Child or Youth
1. A placement allowance shall be provided at the time a
child/youth is placed in a foster home to enable the foster
parent(s) to purchase necessary items to support the
placement.
2. A placement clothing allowance may be provided for a
child/youth to ensure they are adequately and appropriately
clothed.
3. A Christmas allowance shall be provided to foster parent(s) to purchase Christmas gifts
for a child/youth placed in the foster home.
4. A graduation allowance may be provided for a youth graduating from high school to cover
the graduation costs such as graduation tickets, clothing, graduation ring, yearbook, etc.
5. The cost of counselling may be provided for a child/youth if assessed as necessary to
meet the needs of the child/youth.
6. The cost of tutoring expenses may be provided for a child/youth if assessed as necessary
to meet the needs of the child/youth.
7. Funding may be provided for necessary furniture or household items to accommodate
a placement.
8. The cost of minor repairs, equipment or renovations may be approved to:
a) accommodate a child/youth with a disability or other special need as recommended
by a qualified health practitioner;
b) accommodate a sibling group to be placed together to avoid separation; or
c) enable a placement that may otherwise not be possible.
9. Where it has been determined by the social worker, in consultation with the supervisor,
that a child/youth has caused damage to property, funding may be approved to cover
the cost of damages.
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10. Other child/youth specific costs may be approved for a child/youth in care if assessed
as necessary to meet the needs of the child/youth.
11. All financial requests and approvals shall be documented on the Child, Youth and Family
Services Financial Request form and a copy shall be placed in the child/youth’s paper
file, and the approval documented in the clinical CRMS file.
12. All financial services outlined in this policy shall be approved to a maximum of a 6 month
period, at which time reassessment is required to determine if the service or benefit is
still required.
13. All rates outlined in this policy include any applicable taxes (e.g. the clothing allowance
includes the cost of clothing and taxes).
Placement Allowance
A social worker shall approve a placement allowance of $200 for a foster parent(s) when a
child/youth is placed in the home. This is to assist in obtaining items a child/youth may need upon
placement (e.g. school items, special foods, personal items, booster seat, bedding, baby gate, etc.).
It does not include monies for clothing as this will be assessed as part of the clothing allowance.
The placement allowance is not paid when a child/youth goes for respite or is placed in a home on
an emergency overnight basis.
Clothing Allowance
A social worker shall assess the clothing needs of a child/youth upon placement, and where
required, a supervisor may approve a one-time placement clothing allowance of up to $300 to be
provided to a foster parent to purchase needed clothes for the child/youth. A placement clothing
allowance shall only be paid when a child/youth is moving to a new placement, and shall not be
paid more than once in a six month period.
The social worker shall discuss with the foster parent(s) their responsibility to meet the child/youth’s
ongoing clothing needs using the basic foster care rate. The social worker is responsible to work
with the foster parent(s) to ensure that the child/youth has adequate clothing on an ongoing basis,
in accordance with their age and the season of the year.
A manager may approve an emergency clothing allowance to a maximum of $300 in exceptional
circumstances to meet the clothing needs of a child/youth.
The social worker shall explain to foster parents that all clothing (and other personal items)
belonging to the child/youth shall move with her or him to any new placement, or when the
child/youth transitions to a new program or returns home. The social worker shall attempt to
the best of her/his ability to ensure that all of a child/youth’s belongings accompany her/him
when leaving placement.
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Christmas Allowance
A Christmas Allowance shall be approved by a social worker
and provided to the foster parent(s) to purchase Christmas
gifts for a child/youth placed in the home. The Christmas
Allowance rates are as follows:
Age Birth-4 years
Age 5-11
Age 12-18
$200
$300
$400
High School Graduation
A one-time high school graduation allowance of up
to $500 may be approved by a supervisor to be
provided to a youth when they are graduating from
high school to cover the graduation costs such as
graduation tickets, clothing, graduation ring,
yearbook, etc.
Counselling
When counselling is required for a child/youth as outlined in the Plan for the Child or the In
Care Progress Report, the social worker shall work with the parent(s) and foster parent(s) to
explore available public counselling services to meet the child/youth’s counselling needs,
including any service the child/youth may be eligible for due to having aboriginal status or
through an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). If public counselling services have been
explored but are either unavailable or have a waitlist that would prevent the child/youth from
getting required services in a timely fashion, a supervisor may approve up to a maximum of
$300 per month, or a manager may approve up to a maximum of $400 per month, for private
counselling services if deemed necessary.
Tutoring
Where tutoring is required and recommended by the In Care Planning Team and a child/youth’s
school, the social worker shall determine the type of service required to adequately meet the
needs of the child/youth (e.g. school tutoring program, a private service, a tutoring program
offered through a private centre, Homework Havens, etc.). The social worker shall explore
whether there are educational supports or services offered through the school or another
community program/service that could meet the child/youth’s needs.
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If no other tutoring services that can meet the child/youth’s needs are available, a supervisor
may approve funding for up to five hours per week for tutoring services from a qualified tutor,
to a maximum rate of $25 per hour. This does not cover the cost of the tutor’s preparation
time, which is the tutor’s own responsibility.
Furniture and Household Items
Foster parents are expected to have furniture and household items to accommodate the number
and age of the children/youth for which they are approved. A manager may approve the cost of
additional furniture/items that are necessary for the child/youth and are required to accommodate
a placement (e.g. a foster parent agrees to take a sibling group but requires a bunk bed to
accommodate the placement, a foster parent agrees to take an infant and requires a crib, etc.).
The items then belong to the child/youth, and if not required for future placements or a return
home, the item(s) belong to the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services (CYFS).
The following table provides the maximum cost that may be approved for such items:
Item
Maximum Cost
Bunk Bed
$1200
Car seat
$200
Bed
$500
Crib
$750
Stroller
$300
Dresser
Minor Repairs/Equipment/Renovations
$500
The cost of minor repairs, equipment or renovations may be approved to:
a) accommodate a child/youth with a disability or other special need
as recommended by a qualified health practitioner;
b) accommodate a sibling group to be placed together and not be
separated; or
c) enable a placement that may otherwise not be possible.
Damages
Where it has been alleged that damage to property has been caused by a child/youth in care,
a social worker shall investigate by collecting relevant information, observing the damage and/or
speaking to involved parties to determine whether the child/youth was partially or fully
responsible for the damage.
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Where it has been determined by the social worker that the child/youth was partially or fully
responsible for the damage, the cost of repair or replacement may be approved.
The social worker shall advise the foster parent(s) of the requirement for the foster parents to
provide three quotes for repair or replacement costs.
Where possible, the foster parent(s) and social worker shall work with the child/youth, in an
age and developmentally-appropriate manner, to determine a way in which he or she can
contribute to the repairs. The contribution of the child/youth may be financial or in kind, such
as assisting with cleaning up or repairing damages they were responsible for.
Where more than one child/youth was involved in an incident that caused damage to property,
only a portion of the costs of repair or replacement will be the responsibility of CYFS. For
example, where three (3) youth were involved in an incident and only one youth was in care,
the manager is only responsible for 1/3 of the costs.
Where payment is to be provided to a foster parent or another party as reimbursement for
repairs, the party receiving the payment shall sign a Release Form prior to receiving the agreed
upon payment. This release acknowledges that payment was provided and that no further
action or claim may be made in relation to the identified incident.
Driver’s Education Program/Road Test/Driver’s License
When a youth in the continuous custody of a
manager requests funding for a driver’s license, the
social worker shall consider the youth’s
developmental and maturity levels in determining
if the request should be approved. If the social
worker, in consultation with the supervisor,
determines that the youth has demonstrated the
necessary maturity required to be a responsible
driver, the social worker may approve the cost of
the following:
Item
Driver Education Program
Road Test
Driver’s License
Maximum Cost
$1250
Up to the maximum rate set by the
Motor Registration division of Service NL
Up to the maximum rate set by the
Motor Registration division of Service NL
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Other Child/Youth Specific Costs
Other child/youth specific costs that may be approved by a social worker if deemed necessary
to meet the needs of a child/youth include:
Item
Extra food costs for a child/youth that requires
a special diet due to a medical condition
and based on the recommendation of a qualified
health professional
Diapers or disposable underwear for a child over
age 4 years that has incontinence issues
Birth certificate
Photo identification
Passport/Passport photo
Medical examination
Suitcase
Professional photos for the use of profiling a
child/youth in continuous custody for adoption
Maximum Cost
$60/month
$200/month
Up to the maximum rate
set by Service NL
Up to the maximum rate
set by Service NL
$125
$100
$100
$100
Policy 3.24: Children’s Special Allowance
A child/youth under the age of 18 years who is in the care or custody of a manager, the
Department of Child, Youth, and Family Services (CYFS) is entitled to receive the Children’s
Special Allowance from the Canada Revenue Agency.
The social worker shall apply for the Children’s Special Allowance (CSA) from the Canada
Revenue Agency on behalf of CYFS within three (3) days of a child/youth entering the care or
custody of a manager.
The social worker shall arrange for the foster home or the residential placement (if applicable)
to receive the Children’s Special Allowance in the amount of $85 per month.
Commentary: The Children’s Special Allowance (CSA) money goes towards the cost of caring
for the child/youth.
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Policy 3.25: Basic Foster Care Rate
Foster parents shall be provided with the basic foster care rate for each child/youth placed in
their home.
Foster parents shall be provided with the infant allowance for each child/youth under age 2
years who is placed in their home, which is included in the basic foster care rate.
The table below outlines the basic foster care rates.
Age
Birth-up to age 2*
2-4
5-11
12 and over
Basic Foster Care Rates (Effective April 1, 2010)
Island
Labrador
**Remote Labrador
$915
$1052
$1190
$715
$822
$930
$815
$937
$1060
$915
$1052
$1190
*The Birth up to age 2 rates includes the infant allowance
**Distinct rates have been established for Labrador in recognition of the higher cost of living in
this region. The Labrador Rate will apply to all areas of Labrador with the exception of the
communities that have been designated to receive the Remote Rate. The communities
designated to receive the Remote Rate include Nain, Natuashish, Hopedale, Makkovik, Postville,
Rigolet, Norman Bay, Williams Harbour and Black Tickle.
The basic foster care rate is provided to cover the daily costs of caring for a child/youth including:
a) food;
b) shelter;
c) clothing;
d) routine household wear and tear;
e) personal hygiene items;
f) routine community travel (e.g. friend’s house, community centre, etc.);
g) fees for lessons and programming (e.g. swimming, art, music, etc.);
h) regular family activities (e.g. movie night, etc.);
i) routine babysitting (e.g. foster parents going to a movie or their own medical appointments,
etc.);
j) non-prescription medications;
k) school supplies;
l) regular field trips;
m) haircuts;
n) birthday parties; and
o) gifts.
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The foster parent(s) is responsible for the management of monies issued on the child/youth’s
behalf and for ensuring the day-to-day needs of the child/youth are being met.
Policy 3.26: Block Funding
1. Level 1 and Level 2 foster parents who receive the basic foster care rate for a child/youth
residing in their home shall be provided with block funding in the amount of $300 per
month for each child/youth placed in the foster home to cover the social/recreational
costs, local transportation costs and the equivalent of one weekend of respite for the
child/youth.
2. Level 3 specialized foster parents who receive the basic foster care rate for a child/youth
residing in their home shall be provided with block funding in the amount of $535 per
month for each child/youth placed in the foster home to cover the social/recreational
costs, local transportation costs and the equivalent of two weekends of respite per month
for the child/youth.
3. Existing foster parents that opted to remain with receipt/invoice based reimbursement
and not accept block funding when it was introduced in February 2013 may choose to
switch to block funding at any time, however, once a foster parent(s) accepts block
funding for a child/youth placed in the home, they cannot return to receipt/invoice based
reimbursement.
4. The cost of supports and services associated
with the care of a child/youth that are not
included in the basic foster care rate or
block funding (e.g. tutoring, child care, etc.)
shall be assessed on an individual basis in
accordance with the applicable policy (e.g.
Financial Services for the Child or Youth;
Child Care, Babysitting and Sleepovers;
etc.).
5. The social worker shall determine through discussion with the foster parent(s) and the
child/youth, where age and developmentally appropriate, how the block funding money
is being used when considering any requests for additional funding or when assessing
the services being provided to the child/youth (e.g. the types of social/recreational
activities the child/youth is involved in, etc.).
6. All financial requests and approvals shall be documented on the Child, Youth and Family
Services Financial Request Form and a copy shall be placed in the child/youth(‘s) paper
file, and the approval documented in the clinical CRMS file.
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7. Financial requests approved as exceptions to block funding shall be approved to a maximum
of a 6 month period at which time reassessment is required to determine if the service or
benefit is still required.
Block funding is standardized upfront funding paid to Level 1, 2 and 3 foster parents to
supplement the basic foster care rate.
Block funding gives Level 1, 2 and 3 foster parents the flexibility to manage funding in a way
that best meets the social/recreational, transportation and their respite needs and the respite
needs of the child/youth.
Social/Recreational Expenditures
All social/recreational costs for a child/youth are included in the basic foster care rate and block
funding. A social worker shall use the following examples when discussing with a foster
parent what is included in the basic foster care rate and block funding:
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
h)
i)
fees for lessons and programming (e.g. swimming, art, music, etc.);
uniforms and costumes;
tickets for social/recreational concerts/shows;
trips for social/recreational activities;
sports equipment (e.g. skates, bicycles, helmets, etc.);
family activities and outings;
day or weekend trips;
treats (e.g. going to a restaurant/movie with friends, etc.); and
educational toys and home exercise equipment (e.g.. infant
play mat, exersaucer, weights, books, arts/crafts, etc.).
Where a child/youth has been enrolled in a social/recreational activity
prior to entering care, a social worker shall discuss with the foster parent(s)
the importance of supporting the child/youth in continuing in the activity if
possible. If it is determined that the foster parent cannot support the cost of an
exceptionally expensive activity with the funding allocated in block funding and the basic foster
care rate, and the child/youth’s parent(s) are not already contributing financially to the
child/youth’s care, a social worker shall explore the ability of the child/youth’s parent(s) to
financially contribute to the cost for the child/youth continuing in the activity.
If determined that the foster parent or the parent of the child is unable to cover the cost of an
expensive activity, a manager may approve additional funding to enable the child/youth to
continue in an activity that they were actively involved in prior to coming into care if assessed
to be in the child/youth’s best interest.
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A manager may approve up to a maximum of $200 per week to cover the cost of a
social/recreational program, which replaces child care and is required by a foster parent for
employment or educational training purposes (e.g. a summer camp program that replaces child
care required by a foster parent to accommodate their employment or enrollment in postsecondary training, etc.).
The cost of an in-province school related trip may be
approved by a manager for a child/youth to travel with
their class or a school group/team of which the
child/youth is a member. The ability of the foster parent
to pay for the trip with block funding shall be taken into
consideration by determining the cost of the school
related trip and how the foster parent is already utilizing
block funding for social/recreational expenses.
Transportation and Meals
A social worker shall explain to foster parents when discussing block funding and reimbursement
of transportation costs that foster parents are required to plan, using the block funding they
receive, to cover all regular/local transportation expenses, including transportation for typical
medical transportation and the purchase of bus passes.
A foster parent who is receiving block funding shall not be reimbursed for routine community
and local travel for a child/youth, including transportation by the foster parent directly, taxi or
bus, as funding for these costs are including in the basic foster care rate and block fund.
Transportation costs not included as local or community transportation in block funding that
may be approved by a supervisor include:
a) travel to and from court, regardless of the distance travelled;
b) placement travel over 100 kms;
c) transportation for family access visits or for respite that is required due to a child/youth
travelling to another community for family visiting or reunification purposes (e.g. a child/
youth must travel to and stay overnight in another community for family visiting or to
facilitate a reunification plan);
d) excessive school transportation that is based on the reason, frequency and distance
travelled (e.g. school transportation if the plan for the child/youth is to remain in his or
her neighborhood school and as a result, the child/youth must be transported daily
outside the school zone where the foster parent resides, and the school is not close in
proximity or en route to the workplace of the foster parent(s);
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e) excessive child care transportation that is based on the reason, frequency and distance
travelled (e.g. child care transportation may be approved when a foster parent requires
child care for employment reasons and the child care provider is not located in close
proximity or en route to the workplace of the foster parent(s);
f) exceptions for non-typical in-province medical travel shall be assessed on an individual
basis considering the reason (e.g. diagnosis of a medical condition that requires above
average medical attention, specialist appointment, etc.); above average frequency (e.g.
more than 4 trips a month, etc.); and above average distance travelled (e.g. more than
50 kilometers once per week, more than 100 kilometers per trip, etc.) for a specific
situation. For example, it would be an exceptional medical circumstance if a foster
parent has to travel across the province for a child/youth to attend a specialist
appointment or if a foster parent has to travel twice a week, every week, more than 50
kilometers each way for a child/youth to attend a medical appointment. It would not be
considered an exceptional medical need if a foster parent had to travel only several times
a year from 50-100 kilometers each way from one community to another community as
this would be regular medical travel.
Where transportation costs are approved as an exception to block funding and the foster
parent(s) use their own vehicle, they will be reimbursed for mileage at the established
fluctuating basic Provincial Government rate. A social worker shall explain to foster parents
that they are required to track mileage only for specific trips that have been approved as
exceptions to block funding, and are to only submit travel claims for transportation costs that
have been pre-approved for reimbursement.
The cost of meals and/or a hotel stay shall be assessed on a case by case basis and shall be
approved by a supervisor, if necessary, when approval has been granted for exceptional
transportation costs to be paid outside of block funding.
The following factors shall be considered when assessing requests to cover the cost of meals
for a foster parent(s) and a child/youth travelling outside of their local area:
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
purpose of travel;
frequency of travel;
appointment time and location;
departure time;
return time; and
number of people required to travel.
Where a foster parent(s) is approved to be reimbursed for
a child/youth(s) meals, the following are the maximum allowable per diem rates:
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Age
Rate
0–12 years
$15 per day
12–18 years
$20 per day
The cost of meals for a foster parent(s) may be approved by a supervisor when the foster
parent(s) is required to travel with a child/youth outside the local area and travel costs are
approved. Where a foster parent is approved to be reimbursed for meals, reimbursement shall
be provided in accordance with the established Provincial Government per diem rate.
Respite
When discussing respite with Level 1 and 2 foster parents, a social worker shall explain that
block funding includes monies for the equivalent of one respite weekend per month. Foster
parents may use their discretion on how to best meet their respite needs using the funding
provided. This may include utilizing one weekend of respite per month, hourly respite, and a
combination of overnight/hourly respite or saving funding for several months to take a longer
period of respite. When using money from block funding for hourly respite, foster parents are
required to cover the cost of employee benefits and any associated payroll administration fee
for those hours.
When discussing respite with Level 3 foster parents, a social worker shall explain that block
funding includes monies for the equivalent of two respite weekends per month. This may
include utilizing two weekends of respite per month, hourly respite, a combination of
overnight/hourly respite or saving funding for several months to take a longer period of respite.
When using money from block funding for hourly respite, foster parents are required to cover
the cost of employee benefits and any associated payroll administration fee for those hours.
If a foster parent requests respite in addition to what is allocated in block funding, the social
worker shall determine through discussion with the foster parent(s) whether they are utilizing
the money allotted for respite in block funding before considering or recommending any
additional respite funding for the foster family.
Foster parents are expected to use the block funding money provided for respite prior to any
additional respite being approved, unless the additional respite is requested to enable the foster
parent(s) to travel outside their home region to attend training related to fostering, employment
or to attend a medical appointment/event to meet the needs of another child/youth in care, or
to accommodate a child/youth staying with a respite provider outside the local area or the
foster home for the purpose of family visiting or reunification.
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EXCEPTIONS TO POLICY:
Existing foster parents as of January 1, 2013 were given an option of whether to accept block
funding or to continue with receipt/invoice based reimbursement for the child(ren) and/or
youth placed in their home as of that date. Foster parents who elected to remain with
receipt/invoice based reimbursement for the expenses that would otherwise be included in
block funding may continue with this option until the child or youth leaves their home. In these
cases, requests for funding for social/recreation costs, transportation and weekend respite must
be assessed every 3 months and be approved in accordance with the Guidelines for Services to
Foster Parents Not Receiving Block Funding.
In exceptional circumstances, the ADM or designate may approve additional funding for
social/recreational activities, local transportation, where it is assessed as necessary based on
the needs of the child or youth and/or foster family.
In exceptional circumstances, the RD may approve hourly/overnight/weekend respite where it
is assessed as necessary based on the needs of the child or youth and/or foster family.
In exceptional circumstances, the ADM or Deputy Minister may approve funding for an out of
province or out of country school related trip where a child or youth’s entire class or school
group/team are travelling.
In exceptional and emergency situations (e.g. to avoid placement breakdown), a manager may
approve transportation or additional respite if the RD or ADM is unavailable and the request
cannot wait for approval due to the urgency of the situation. In such circumstances, the manager
shall forward to the RD or ADM a copy of the signed Child, Youth and Family Services Financial
Request explaining the circumstances of why the manager approved the expense and signed
the form on behalf of the RD or ADM.
Policy 3.27: Level Fee
Approved foster parents that have completed PRIDE Preservice Sessions and/or Specialized
Foster Parent Training modules shall receive a monthly level fee in recognition of their
experience, skills and training, as follows:
Level 2-Regular or Relative/Significant Other Foster Home: $600 per month per child/ youth
placed in the foster home for whom the foster parent is receiving the basic foster care rate; and
Level 3-Specialized Foster Home: $1600 per month per child/youth placed in the foster home
for whom the foster parent is receiving the basic foster care rate.
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EXCEPTION TO POLICY:
If a Level 3 foster parent(s) requests that they be matched with a child/youth whose needs
would normally be matched to a Level 2 foster home rather than a Level 3 foster home, the
foster parent(s) shall only be eligible to receive the Level 2 fee.
Commentary: In January 2013 the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services, through its
Continuum of Care Strategy, began the implementation of a new level system for the foster care
program. The level system recognizes the skills and expertise of foster parents through the
provision of monthly level fees. Level fees are paid to Level 2 and Level 3 foster homes to
recognize the experience, training, and skills of these foster parents. The fee is specifically for
the foster parent(s) and is not intended to be used to meet the needs of the child or youth.
Level fees are paid on a monthly basis for each child/youth in the home.
The level system is comprised of the following:
Level 1: Kinship Homes, Relative/Significant Other Foster Homes and Interim-Approved
Non-Relative Foster Homes
Kinship Homes provide care to a child/youth who they are related to or have a significant
relationship with as part of a plan with the parent(s) to prevent the child from coming into
care or custody. Kinship Homes do not fall under the mandate of the Newfoundland and
Labrador Foster Families Association.
Relative/Significant Other Foster Homes are approved to care for a child/youth in the care
or custody of a Manager of Child, Youth and Family Services who they are related to or have
a significant relationship with.
Relative/significant other homes are not required to complete PRIDE but may choose to
complete PRIDE if they wish to be assessed as a Level 2 home.
Interim-Approved Non-Relative Foster Homes are approved in response to an immediate
and urgent need with the expectation that a full approval will be completed within an
established timeframe.
Level 2: Foster Homes
Foster homes (relative/significant other and regular) that have completed Parent
Resources for Information, Development and Education (PRIDE) and provide care and support
to children/youth requiring a foster home.
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Level 3: Specialized Foster Homes
Specialized foster homes must meet all the requirements of Level 2 homes, plus have been
assessed as having the skills and willingness to meet Level 3 expectations; participate in
specialized training; have a stay-at-home foster parent; and a willingness to be matched with
a child/youth who has very complex needs.
Level 4: Contracted Staffed Residential Services
Includes all other types of staffed living arrangements that provide care to a child/youth with
complex needs. Level 4 includes emergency placement homes, group homes and individualized
living arrangements.
Policy 3.28: Respite
1. The purpose of respite services is to:
a) provide temporary relief and reduce stress levels for foster parents who are providing
care to a child/youth with complex emotional, psychological, physical and behavioral
needs;
b) assist foster parents with the daily care of a child/youth with exceptionally complex
needs, or a large sibling group, in order to facilitate or maintain a placement;
c) provide the child/youth with access to his/her community or to activities that will
assist in meeting their needs;
d) provide care for a child/youth when foster parents must travel outside their home
region for overnight or longer (e.g. to attend training related to fostering, a medical
appointment, or to attend an appointment/event to meet the needs of another
child/youth in care, etc.);
e) provide care for a child/youth when foster parents require overnight care for a
child/youth due to employment purposes that is not part of a regular employment
related child care arrangement (e.g. a foster parent has to work/travel overnight for
employment reasons, which is outside their regular employment schedule, etc.);
f) provide care for a child/youth who requires overnight care for family visiting purposes;
and
g) provide care for a child/youth when foster parents require respite due to a significant
life event (e.g. death in the family, hospitalization, etc.).
2. Foster parents receive money for respite through block funding. Additional respite may
be approved on an hourly, daily, weekend or weekly basis in exceptional circumstances
and if deemed necessary based on the needs of the child/youth and/or the foster family.
54
3. Vacation respite may be provided to foster parents to enable them to take a vacation
break.
4. Please refer to the Respite Foster Home Approval and Monitoring Process policy for
information on approving and monitoring respite homes.
5. Foster parents are not permitted to provide respite at the same time that a child/youth
placed in their home is receiving in or out of home respite.
Level 1 and 2 Foster Homes
Foster parents receive monies for the equivalent of one respite weekend per month in the block
funding they receive. Foster parents should use their discretion on how to best meet their
respite needs using the funding provided. Requests for additional respite may be considered in
exceptional circumstances where it is deemed necessary based on the needs of the child/youth
and/or the foster family.
Level 3 – Specialized Foster Homes
Foster parents receive monies for the equivalent of two respite weekends per month in the
block funding they receive. Foster parents should use their discretion on how to best meet their
respite needs using the funding provided. Requests for additional respite may be considered
based on the complex needs of children and youth that are matched with a specialized foster
home and the support needs of the foster family.
One week of vacation respite may be approved for Level 1 and Level 2 foster homes. Two
weeks of vacation respite may be approved for Level 3 specialized foster homes.
Requirements for Overnight/Weekend/Weekly Respite Providers
The social worker shall advise foster parents that respite providers who provide regular
overnight or weekend respite in the foster home, or any duration of overnight respite outside
the foster home, shall be assessed/approved as respite providers as per the Respite Home
Approval and Monitoring Process policy.
If a foster parent requires one time or occasional overnight/weekend respite in the foster home
a supervisor may approve a respite provider outside of the Respite Home Approval and
Monitoring Process policy based on the following requirements. The social worker shall ensure
that the respite worker:
a) is well known to the foster family and has a connection to the child (e.g. relative who
regularly visits the foster home, etc.);
55
b) provides one reference from a non-relative and one reference from a collateral
community contact (e.g. minister, community leader, teacher, etc.) who they have known
for at least one year;
c) provides a Criminal Records Check and Vulnerable Sectors Check by:
(i)
making an application to the police jurisdiction where they currently reside and
giving permission to have a criminal record check completed in all jurisdictions
where they previously resided;
(ii) selecting to have the Vulnerable Sector Check completed on the Royal Newfoundland
Constabulary (RNC) Criminal Records Check form, or completing a Request for a
Vulnerable Sector Check form if residing in a Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)
jurisdiction. The Vulnerable Sector Check will identify if an individual has been pardoned
for a sexual offence;
(iii) if residing in an RCMP jurisdiction, making an application to the provincial court to
have a check completed. Applications are available at RCMP detachments; and
(iv) if residing in a Royal Newfoundland Constabulary jurisdiction, making an application
to the Provincial Court to have a check completed if it is possible that they may have
a record prior to 1980.
If a prospective respite provider has a current criminal charge(s) or previous criminal conviction(s),
the social worker must carefully assess the relationship of any criminal activity to the safety of a
child or youth placed in the home and he or she shall not be approved if there is a current charge
or previous conviction for a child related offence.
If a criminal record check identifies a current criminal charge(s) or a previous criminal
conviction(s) for a child or youth, the social worker shall stamp the criminal record check
documentation with the non-disclosure date. Please refer to the Youth Corrections Records
Management policy for additional information.
d) consents to a Child, Youth and Family Services Record Check from any areas of the
province and from any other jurisdictions in which he or she has have previously resided.
Potential respite providers who have unresolved child protection concerns shall not be
approved to provide respite;
e) understands their role with the child or youth;
f) understands the importance of maintaining confidentiality in relation to information
about the child/youth and the child/youth’s family;
g) signs a Declaration of Confidentiality form and understands the limits of confidentiality;
h) receives a copy of the Discipline, Medical Consent, A Child/Youth Absent Without
Permission, and A Child/Youth Missing or Abducted policies; and
56
i) completes an in-person interview with the social worker to ensure that he/she meets
these requirements.
The social worker shall, in consultation with the foster parent(s), review and evaluate the respite
worker’s performance to ensure the service is an appropriate fit for the child/youth and the
foster parent(s).
Remuneration of approved respite homes providing overnight/weekend/weekly respite is
not considered reportable income by the Canada Revenue Agency and is treated in the
same manner as foster care payments.
Requirements for Hourly Respite Provider Requirements
The social worker shall discuss the requirements for hourly respite providers with foster parents,
and shall ensure and document in the child or youth’s in care file that prior to being hired to
provide respite, the hourly respite provider:
a) provides one reference from a non- relative and one reference from a collateral community
contact (e.g. minister, community leader, teacher, etc.) who they have known for at least
one year;
b) provides a clear police records check and Vulnerable Sectors Check by:
(i) making an application to the police jurisdiction where they currently reside and
giving permission to have a criminal record check completed in all jurisdictions where
they previously resided;
(ii) selecting to have the Vulnerable Sector Check completed on the Royal Newfoundland
Constabulary (RNC) Criminal Records Check form, or completing a Request for a
Vulnerable Sector Check form if residing in a Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)
jurisdiction. The Vulnerable Sector Check will identify if an individual has been
pardoned for a sexual offence;
(iii) if residing in an RCMP jurisdiction, making an application to the provincial court to
have a check completed. Applications are available at RCMP detachments;
(iv) if residing in a Royal Newfoundland Constabulary jurisdiction, making an application
to the Provincial Court to have a check completed if it is possible that they may have
a record prior to 1980.
If a criminal record check identifies a current criminal charge(s) or previous criminal
conviction(s) for a child or youth, the social worker shall stamp the criminal record
check documentation with the non-disclosure date. Please refer to the Youth
Corrections Records Management policy for additional information.
57
c) has a completed Child, Youth and Family Services Record Check from any areas of the
province and from any other jurisdictions in which they have previously resided. Where
there has been previous involvement, the social worker shall explore the circumstances
of that involvement. Contact shall be made with any social worker previously involved,
all relevant information shall be reviewed, and there shall be supervisory consultation
before a decision is made whether to continue with the approval process. Potential
respite providers who have unresolved child protection concerns shall not be approved
to provide respite;
d) understands their role with the child or youth;
e) understands the importance of maintaining confidentiality in relation to information
about the child or youth and the child or youth’s family; and
f) signs a Declaration of Confidentiality form and understands the limits of confidentiality.
The social worker, through consultation with the foster parent(s) and the child or youth where
appropriate, shall review and evaluate the respite worker’s performance to ensure the service
is an appropriate fit for the child or youth and the foster parent(s).
The social worker shall advise the foster parent(s) that he/she is considered to be the employer
of the hourly respite provider and therefore the foster parent(s) must contact the Canada
Revenue Agency to open an account. Information regarding contributions and deductions can
be obtained directly from the Canada Revenue Agency online at:
http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/bsnss/tpcs/pyrll/hwpyrllwrks/stps/menu-eng.html.
The foster parent(s) or an individual/agency they have hired to keep payroll records shall be
reimbursed for the approved respite rate, including employer contributions. All earnings must
be reported to the Canada Revenue Agency. Foster parents are required to provide a T4 to the
respite provider at the end of the calendar year. Foster parents receiving block funding are
required to pay any associated payroll fee for hourly respite paid for through block funding.
Foster parents shall ensure that when hIring individuals/agencies to keep payroll records that
the respite providers are not placed on the agency’s/individual’s payroll. The respite provider is
employed by the foster parent(s) and all records shall be in the foster parent’s name.
The cost of coverage by the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission (WHSCC)
is not provided by the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services. Where the employer
(the foster parent) wishes to provide the respite provider with WHSCC coverage, this must be
paid for from their own resources and involves the completion of the Householder’s Coverage
Application which can be accessed online at: http://www.whscc.nf.ca/forms.whscc.
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Respite Rates
The maximum rates for payment of hourly and overnight respite for a Level 1 or Level 2 foster
home are as follows:
Table 1: Hourly (Out-of-Home) Respite Rate for Level 1 and 2 Foster Homes
Respite rate for 1 child/youth or for 2 children/youth, where respite is
provided to both children/youth together, by the same respite provider
Respite rate for 3 or more children/youth where respite is provided to all
children/youth together by the same respite provider
$12.25
$15.00
Table 2: Hourly (In-Home) Respite Rate for Level 1 and Level 2 Foster Homes
Respite rate for 1 child or youth or for 2 children/youth, where respite is
provided to both children/youth together, by the same respite provider
Respite rate for 3 or more children/youth where respite is provided to all
children/youth together by the same respite provider
Table 3: Overnight (Out-of-Home) Respite Rate for Level 1 and 2 Foster Homes
Duration of Respite
Overnight (single day and night only)
2 nights
3 nights
4 nights
5 nights
6 nights
Weekly
59
Rate per child/youth
$87.50
$175.00
$220.00
$258.75
$297.50
$336.25
$375.00
$12.25
$15.00
Table 4: Overnight (In-Home) Respite Rate for Level 1 and 2 Foster Homes
Duration of Respite
Overnight (single day
and night only)
2 nights
3 nights
4 nights
5 nights
6 nights
Weekly
Rate for 1 child/youth
Rate for each additional
child/youth in the foster home
$87.50
$175.00
$220.00
$258.75
$297.50
$336.25
$375.00
$43.75
$87.50
$110.00
$129.38
$148.75
$168.13
$187.50
Table 5: Hourly (Out-of-Home) Respite Rate for Level 3 Foster Homes
Respite rate for 1 child/youth
Respite rate for 2 children/youth (or a sibling group of more than 2)
where respite is provided to all children/youth together by the same
respite provider
Table 6: Hourly (In-Home) Respite Rate for Level 3 Foster Homes
Respite rate for 1 child/youth
Respite rate for 2 children/youth (or a sibling group of more than 2)
where respite is provided to all children/youth together by the same
respite provider
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$13.83
$16.58
$13.83
$16.58
Table7: Overnight (Out-of-Home) Respite Rate for Level 3 Foster Homes
Duration of Respite
Overnight (single day and night only)
2 nights
3 nights
4 nights
5 nights
6 nights
Weekly
Rate per child/youth
$100.00
$200.00
$245.00
$308.75
$372.50
$436.25
$500.00
Table 8: Overnight (In-Home) Respite Rate for Level 3 Foster Homes
Duration of Respite
Overnight (single day
and night only)
2 nights
3 nights
4 nights
5 nights
6 nights
Weekly
Rate for 1 child/youth
$100.00
$200.00
$245.00
$308.75
$372.50
$436.25
$500.00
Rate for each additional
child/youth in the foster home
$50.00
$100.00
$122.50
$153.38
$186.25
$218.13
$250.00
If a Level 1, 2 or 3 foster parent is approved for respite for a month or longer, the weekly rate
shall be used for the first 30 days and after 30 days the basic foster care rate, Children’s Special
Allowance, block funding and a level fee, if applicable, shall be suspended for the foster parent(s)
and provided to the respite provider. The rate paid to respite providers on a monthly basis shall
not exceed the monthly rate paid to the child/youth’s foster parent(s).
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Policy 3.29: Child Care, Babysitting and Sleepovers
1. Child care costs may be provided to foster parents who:
a) require child care for employment or
educational/employment training
purposes; or
b) care for a child that requires child
care to meet an identified special
need as assessed by a health
practitioner and supported by the
social worker and the In Care
Planning Team.
2. The cost of routine babysitting (e.g. for the foster parent to go on a personal outing such
as to dinner or a movie, grocery shopping, their own medical appointment, etc.) is
included in the basic foster care rate. Babysitting costs may be provided to foster parents
outside the basic foster care rate to attend to matters related to the child (e.g. school
appointment, medical appointment, case conference, training, court, etc.), to attend to
matters for another child/youth in care, or to attend training related to fostering.
3. A child/youth may be permitted to have sleepovers (overnight visit) at a friend’s home
where the required consents have been obtained and the foster parent(s) has knowledge
of the friend and friend’s family, and assesses that the child/youth will be safe and
provided with the supervision and care to meet the child/youth’s needs.
4. Financial requests and approvals shall be documented on the Child, Youth and Family
Services Financial Request Form and a copy shall be placed in the child/youth(‘s) paper
file and the approval documented in the clinical CRMS file.
Approval of funding for child care and babysitting may be approved up to a maximum period of
6 months or for the duration of the employment or training of the foster parent(s), whichever
is shorter in duration, at which time the need for child care shall be reassessed before any
further approval is granted.
Child care is a regularly scheduled arrangement to provide care to a child under the age of 13
years, or in exceptional circumstances for a child 13-15 years of age that is unable to be left
unattended due to a special need.
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The social worker shall assess the need for child care services on a case by case basis and
funding may be approved for child care services for a foster parent where:
• the foster parent requires child care for employment or educational/employment
training purposes; or
• a health practitioner has recommended the child attend a child care facility to meet an
identified special need, and the recommendation is supported by the social worker and
the In Care Planning Team.
Where child care is approved to accommodate the employment or educational/employment
training of a foster parent(s), the social worker will need the name, address and contact number
for the employer or training institution of the foster parent(s).
Where full-time child care is approved, the social worker shall work with the foster parent(s) to
secure a placement for the child in a regulated child care centre or regulated family child care
home that can best meet the needs of the child and foster family, with consideration of the
rates and any potential transportation costs that may apply. Where possible, siblings shall attend
the same child care provider. If the foster parent’s own child(ren) already attend a non-regulated
child care provider and the foster parent(s) prefers to have all the children attend the same
provider, or if there is no space available in a regulated child care centre or regulated child care
home, a non-regulated provider may be used.
Where the foster parent(s) intends to hire or use a non-regulated child care provider due to a
space not being available in a regulated child care centre or regulated family child care home,
or to accommodate the child to attend the same child care provider as the child(ren) of the
foster parent(s), the social worker shall advise the foster parent(s) of the following roles and
responsibilities and ensure that all requirements are met:
Role of Foster Parent:
a) ensure the potential child care provider is at least 16 years of age;
b) obtain a Ccriminal Records Check and a Vulnerable Sector Check (if 18 years of age or
older) from the potential child care provider;
c) advise the social worker if the potential child care provider has been charged with or has
been convicted of a criminal offence; as depending on the nature of offence, CYFS may
not approve for the foster parent to use the child care provider;
d) obtain two references from non-relatives, if possible from references that can speak to
the potential child care provider’s child care knowledge, skills and experience;
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e) ensure the potential child care provider will be in compliance with legislative requirements
(e.g. is caring only for the number of children allowable by law, etc.); and
f) comply with Canada Revenue Agency’s guidelines, which may be found online at:
http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/bsnss/tpcs/pyrll/clcltng/spclsttns/crgvr-eng.html
Role of Social Worker:
a) ensure that a Provincial Court Check is completed (if 18 years of age or older); and
b) complete a Child, Youth and Family Services Record Check from any areas of the province
and from any other jurisdictions in which the potential child care provider has previously
resided.
Potential child care providers who have unresolved child protection concerns shall not be
approved to provide child care to a child in care or custody of a manager.
The maximum rates for payment, as established by Child, Youth and Family Services for child
care outside the foster home in a regulated or unregulated child care centre are as follows:
Age Group
Full Day
(up to 8.5 hrs.)
Birth up to 2 yrs.
$44.00
2-12 yrs. (incl. kindergarten)
$30.00
After-School Care (when school is in session)
Part Day
(up to 4.5 hrs.
incl. lunch)
$23.00
$16.00
Hourly after 8.5 hrs
$5.00
$3.50
$14 per day
The rates for payment, as established by CYFS, for child care where the foster parent is the
employer are as follows:
Number of Children
One - two children
More than two children
Rate
Minimum wage hourly rate
Up to a maximum of $15 per hour
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Babysitting is short-term care for a child under 13 years of age to provide the foster parent an
ability to attend to personal and/or child-related matters. The social worker shall advise foster
parents that it is the responsibility of foster parents, in consultation with a social worker, to
use their discretion in identifying an appropriate babysitter.
A foster parent(s) may hire a babysitter who they have known for at least one year whom they
deem, based on the person’s age, maturity and skills will meet the needs of the child and provide
quality care for the duration that babysitting is required. If the foster parent(s) has not known
the person for at least one year, they are required to obtain two references from non- relatives
who have known the potential babysitter for at least one year to assist in their assessment of
whether, based on the person’s age, maturity and skills, the babysitter will meet the needs of
the child and provide quality care for the duration that babysitting is required.
Funding to cover the cost of routine babysitting (e.g. for the foster parent to go on a personal
outing such as to dinner or a movie, grocery shopping, their own medical appointment, etc.) is
included in the basic foster care rate. The social worker shall assess the need for additional
hourly babysitting funding on a case-by-case basis and may recommend approval of funding
for babysitting for a foster parent to attend to matters related to the child/youth (e.g. school
appointment, medical appointment, case conference, training, court, etc.), to attend to matters
for another child/youth in the care or custody of a manager, or to attend training related to
fostering.
The rates for payment, as established by CYFS, for babysitting where the foster parent is the
employer are as follows:
Number of Children
One - two children
More than two children
Rate
Minimum wage hourly rate
Up to a maximum of $15 per hour
EXCEPTIONS TO POLICY:
In exceptional circumstances and based on the need of the child and/or foster family, the ADM
may approve funding for child care or babysitting for reasons other than those identified in this
policy if child care or babysitting is necessary to meet the needs of the child or foster family
(e.g. family emergency, significant event in the life of the foster family, etc.) or approve rates of
payment for child care or babysitting that exceed the rates identified in this policy of necessary.
65
Sleepovers
If a child/youth who is in interim care, interim custody or
temporary custody makes a request to the foster parent(s) to go
to a friend’s home for a sleepover; the social worker shall contact
the parent(s) to discuss their views. The social worker shall share
the sleepover policy with the parent(s) and document in the file
whether the child can attend a sleepover with a friend. The social
worker shall advise the foster parent(s) of the views of the child/
youth’s parent(s). If the parent(s) is not in agreement with the
child/youth attending a sleepover, the foster parent(s) shall not
permit the child/youth to attend a sleepover. If the parent(s) is in
agreement with the child/youth attending a sleepover, ,the social
worker shall advise the foster parent(s) that they may make the
decision to allow a child/youth to attend a sleepover with a friend
and no records checks or formal assessment is required. The
social worker shall advise the foster parent(s) that in determining whether to allow a child/youth
to attend a sleepover the foster parent(s) is required to:
a) have knowledge of the friend and the friend’s family;
b) believe the child/youth is developmentally ready to attend a sleepover;
c) believe the child/youth will be safe and provided with the adequate supervision and care
to meet their needs; and
d) have a conversation with the parent(s) where the child/youth will be attending the
sleepover, including about whether or not the parent(s) will be at home that night.
If a child/youth is in continuous custody, the social worker shall advise the foster parent(s) that
they may make the decision to allow a child/youth to attend a sleepover with a friend and no
records checks or formal assessment is required. In determining whether to allow a sleepover,
the foster parent(s) is required to:
a) have knowledge of the friend and the friend’s family;
b) believe the child/youth is developmentally ready to attend a sleepover;
c) believe the child/youth will be safe and provided with the adequate supervision and care
to meet their needs; and
d) have a conversation with the parent(s) where the child/youth will be attending the
sleepover including whether or not the parent(s) will be at home that night.
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Policy 3.30: Vacation Costs for a Child or Youth in Care or Custody Accompany a
Foster Family on Vacation
1. Where a foster parent(s) is planning a vacation and requests to take a child/youth, the
social worker shall discuss the itinerary with the foster parent, consult with the child/
youth where age and developmentally appropriate, and consult with the child/youth’s
parent(s) about the child/youth’s potential inclusion in the vacation.
2. The social worker shall refer to the Travel Consent policy to determine the type of
consent required based on the travel plans and custody status of the child/youth.
3. The social worker shall refer to the Basic Foster Care Rate; Children’s Special Allowance;
Block Funding and Financial Services for the Child/Youth policies when assessing
financial requests by the foster parent(s) to assist with the costs of including a child/youth
in a vacation.
4. Funding may be approved for one vacation per year and shall only be approved by the
Regional Director (RD) for the costs specific to the child/youth’s inclusion in a vacation
with the foster family.
5. Financial requests and approvals shall be documented on the Child, Youth and Family
Services Financial Request Form and a copy shall be placed in the child/youth’s paper file
and the approval documented in the clinical CRMS file.
When assessing a request for a child/youth to accompany a foster family on a vacation the social
worker shall consider the following:
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
h)
i)
views of the child/youth’s parent(s);
views of the child/youth;
custody status of the child/youth;
potential impact for the child/youth;
plan for child/youth’s care and the potential
impact on the plan;
destination including any travel advisories;
mode of transportation;
accommodations; and
planned activities.
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If it is determined to be in the child/youth’s best interest to accompany the foster family on
vacation, and the foster parent(s) requests financial support to contribute toward the child/
youth’s participation in the vacation, the following factors shall be taken into consideration
when assessing the funding request:
a) the difference in cost of travel for the family with or without the child/youth;
b) the amount of the basic foster care rate and the Children’s Special Allowance that will
be used toward the trip;
c) how the social recreational money allotted in block funding is being utilized and whether
any of that money should be used toward the trip; and
d) the ability of the child/youth’s family to contribute to the cost of the trip.
The RD may approve one vacation per year for a child/youth to accompany a foster family on
vacation and shall only approve the costs specific to the child/youth’s inclusion in the vacation.
The types of costs that may be considered for approval include:
a) increase in travel costs specific to the child/youth’s inclusion in the vacation, including
but not limited to:
Airfare
Travel Cost
Maximum Cost to be Reimbursed
$1500
Ferry ticket(s)
$250
Train ticket(s)
$500
Expensive Amusement Park/Entertainment Tickets
$500
b) a portion of accommodations if extra space is required to accommodate a child/youth
and this results in additional cost (e.g. if the foster family has to upgrade to a larger hotel
room or get an extra hotel room to have adequate sleeping accommodations, etc.);
and/or
c) a per diem rate related to the additional cost of meals and incidentals incurred for the
child/youth while on vacation. The maximum allowable rates are:
Age
Amount
0–12 years
$15 per day
12–18 years
$20 per day
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Funding shall not be approved to cover costs that are not likely to increase due to the addition
of the child/youth (e.g. car rental, gasoline, renting a home, campground fee, etc.).
A social worker may approve the cost of a passport and passport photos for the child/youth to
the maximum cost of $125. Where a passport is required for a child/youth, the social worker
shall work with the foster parent(s) or residential staff person to complete the application as
required by Passport Canada. Information regarding applications and requirements related to
passports for a child/youth in care can be found online at:
http://www.ppt.gc.ca/form/adoption.aspx?lang=eng
Commentary: Foster parents are encouraged to include children/youth in care in family
vacations when possible.
2. Policy: Placement Resources
Overview: Placement Resources for Children/Youth in Care
The placement of children/youth is guided by the philosophy and principles of the Child and
Youth Care and Protection Act (CYCP). The overriding and paramount consideration in decisions
made under the Act is the best interest of the child/youth.
Best Interest Principles
The Act outlines the relevant factors that shall be considered in determining a child’s best
interest. These factors include:
•
•
•
•
•
the child/youth’s safety, health and well-being;
the child/youth’s physical, emotional and developmental needs;
the child/youth’s relationship with family or a person significant to the child or youth:
the child/youth’s identity and cultural and community connections;
the child/youth’s opinion regarding his/her care and custody or the provision of
services; and,
• the importance of stability and permanency in the context of the child/youth
Placement Considerations
In keeping with the best interest principle, every effort should be made to match a
child/youth in care with a placement that can:
•
•
•
•
protect and nurture them;
support connections to their family and community;
respect and cultivate cultural heritage, spiritual beliefs and identity; and,
meet their emotional, developmental and service needs
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Relatives, non-custodial parents and individuals significant to the child/youth should be
considered first when exploring placement options. If a family member or significant other is
unavailable, the child/youth should be matched with either an approved non relative foster
family or residential setting that best meets that child/youth’s needs. Every effort should be
made to place siblings together unless for a safety reason this is not in the best interest of
individual siblings.
When a child/youth is placed in a foster home, it is important that the social worker prepare
and support the child/youth, the parent(s) and the foster parent(s) with the transition. If
possible pre-placement visiting should be facilitated. The social worker shall provide the
child/youth and the parent(s) with relevant information about the foster family unless it is not
deemed in the child/youth’s best interest. It is also important for the social worker to provide
as much relevant information as possible about the child/youth to the foster parent(s).
If a group home or another residential placement is selected instead of a foster home for a
child/youth, it is equally as important to prepare and support the child/youth and the parent(s)
and to ensure the residential setting is given all relevant information about the child/youth.
Approving, Supporting and Monitoring Placement Resources
Children/youth in care need to be matched with approved placements that are supported and
monitored to ensure that they are providing quality care. Parent Resources for Information,
Development and Education (PRIDE) is the training and assessment tool used by the
Department of CYFS for the approval of non-relative foster homes. The core competencies
identified through PRIDE represent basic competencies that are expected from any family or
group based environment for a child/youth in care.
It is important for foster parents and residential care
providers to understand that children who are removed
from their family have often experienced trauma and
inconsistencies in their lives which can make it difficult for
them to understanding or accept rules and expectations.
This coupled with behaviors associated with
maltreatment, feelings of loss and anger at being
separated from their family and other factors can make
caring for a child/youth challenging.
It is critical that foster parents and residential staff are provided relevant information about the
child/youth so they are able to understand the child/youth’s needs and behavior in the context
of their life experiences. Foster parents and residential staff also require ongoing support and
training and must be included as part of the planning team.
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The social worker is also responsible for monitoring placement resources though regular in
home contact with the home or residential setting, observing the interaction between a
child/youth and their care provider and consulting with the child or youth. Supporting and
monitoring placement resources is an important component of ensuring that a child/youth lives
in environments where they are nurtured and protected, their developmental needs including
cultural identity are addressed and they are connected with people who are significant in their life.
Policy 4.9: Social Work Contact
1. A social worker shall have, at minimum, one (1) monthly in person contact with the
placement resource where a child/youth is residing.
2. The foster parent(s) or residential staff person shall be included as a member of the In
Care Planning Team.
Exception to Policy:
If a foster home does not have a placement and/or has asked to be placed on hold for a period
of time that does not exceed one year, the monthly in person contact is not required. A home
visit shall occur prior to placing a new child/youth in the home or if the on hold period exceeds
six months.
Commentary: Foster parents play a significant role in the life of a child/youth placed in their
care. They are entrusted with the responsibility of nurturing and protecting a child/youth,
addressing and meeting the child/youth’s developmental needs, keeping a child/youth
connected to his/her birth family and working as a part of a professional planning team.
Regular contact allows the social worker to:
• discuss and observe the foster family’s relationship with a child/youth placed in the home
and assess the match between the child/youth and the home;
• discuss and monitor the child/youth’s ongoing progress and to review supports and
services in place for the child;
• assess the strengths and needs of the foster family;
• identify supportive services that may be needed;
• monitor the quality of care being provided to the child/youth; and
• address factors that may impact the foster family’s ability to meet the needs of a
child/youth placed in their home.
Regular contact is also important because concerns/issues can be addressed and resolved in a
timely manner. It also provides an opportunity for the social worker to know how things are
going in the foster home and to provide support to the foster family.
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Policy 4.10: Maximum Number of Children or Youth Placed in a
Regular/Specialized Foster Home
The number of children/youth that a Regular Foster Home may be approved to care for shall
be determined using the PRIDE assessment and the Annual Review process. A Regular Foster
Home may be approved to care for a maximum total of three children and/or youth.
The number of children/youth that a Specialized Foster Home may be approved to care for shall
be determined using the PRIDE assessment and the Annual Review process. A Specialized Foster
Home may be approved to care for a maximum total of two children and/or youth.
EXCEPTIONS TO POLICY:
A Regular Foster Home may be temporarily approved by a manager to care for a total of more
than three children and/or youth in an exceptional circumstance to allow for the placement of
a sibling group or for a child/youth who has a pre-existing relationship with the foster family.
A Specialized Foster Home may be temporarily approved by a manager to care
for a total of more than two children and/or youth in an exceptional
circumstance to allow for the placement of a sibling group or a
child/youth who has a pre-existing relationship with the foster family.
When a Regular Foster Home is approved to care for more than
three children /youth, or a Specialized Foster Home is approved
to care for more than two children /youth, this approval will
only be in effect for the duration of the exceptional
circumstance.
Commentary: Children/youth placed in foster homes may
require a high level of support to ensure their needs are
addressed and family and significant-other connections are
maintained. Children/youth who are separated from their
birth families experience a range of emotions and behaviors
and need nurturing foster parents who have the time, skill and
ability to provide this support. It is important for foster parents
to recognize and communicate when they feel unable to commit
to a new placement particularly when they feel another placement
could impact the quality of care provided in the home. When foster
parents are overextended, added stress is placed on the family. This can
lead to a decrease in foster parent satisfaction, an increase in frustration with
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service delivery, a heightened probability of allegations against the foster home; with the end
result being more placement disruptions for a child/youth. Foster parents need to balance the
needs of all children/youth in the home when deciding if they will accept a placement. While
foster parents sometimes find it difficult to refuse a placement request, it is important that they
recognize their strengths and limitations and strive to make decisions in the best interest of the
child/youth.
Policy 4.11: Discipline
1. Discipline practices used in a foster home, group home or other residential setting shall
be age and developmentally appropriate and comply with the procedures outlined in
this policy.
2. Physical punishment shall not be used with a child/youth in the care and custody of a
manager.
3. The use of physical restraint shall only be used as a last resort under two specific
circumstances:
a) to protect a child from self injury or other people from physical harm; and
b) to ensure that a child receives immediate medical attention when a serious health
condition exists.
4. When a foster parent or a residential staff person uses a physical restraint procedure, a
written report documenting the incident must be submitted to the social worker within
one (1) day.
The goal of placing children with a foster family is to provide a safe, nurturing environment where
children and youth are able to experience physical and emotional growth because they feel safe
and secure. The social worker must explain to foster parents that physical punishment is not
acceptable. The use of physical or corporal punishment increases a child’s feelings of fear and
avoidance and violates a child’s right to feel safe.
It is important for foster parents to understand that children who are removed from their family,
have often experienced trauma and inconsistencies in their lives which can make it difficult for
them to understand or accept rules and expectations. This, coupled with behaviors associated
with feelings of loss and anger at being separated from their family can make discipline a
challenge. If foster parents are uncertain about the best strategies for approaching discipline
with children/youth placed in their home, the social worker shall connect them with the
appropriate resources and/or supports.
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The social worker shall talk with foster parents about their approach to discipline with the
children/youth placed in their home. The following are examples of acceptable forms of
discipline:
a) positive reinforcement and praise, use of rewards for positive
behaviors;
b) modelling;
c) establishing routines and limits;
d) establishing clear expectations and consistent follow through;
e) redirection/distraction;
f) withholding or granting privileges;
g) grounding;
h) age appropriate time out;
i) logical consequences which are directly related to the behavior;
j) negotiating, choices; and
k) removing the child from the situation.
The following are examples of non-acceptable forms of discipline:
a) deliberately harsh or degrading responses that could result in the humiliation of a child
or the undermining of a child’s self-respect;
b) punching, shaking, shoving, or other forms of aggressive physical contact;
c) requiring that a child maintain an uncomfortable position;
d) forced repetition of physical movements;
e) forced feeding;
f) ignoring and/or failing to provide for the child’s basic needs;
g) placing or keeping a child in a closed or locked room;
h) threatening the removal of a child from the foster home as a form of behavioral control;
i) extensive and prolonged withholding of emotional response or stimulation after the
undesirable behavior of the child has stopped;
j) withholding family visits; and
k) any action which impinges upon the basic rights of children to care, protection, safety,
and security.
Physical Restraint
If physical restraint is utilized as part of a behavior management program the foster parents or
residential staff must be trained in Non Violent Crisis Intervention or Therapeutic Intervention.
If a physical restraint procedure is used, a written report shall be submitted to the social worker
documenting the incident. This report must include efforts made to resolve the problem up to
and including the final stage of implementing physical restraint. The social worker must also
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compile a written report on the incident. Both reports are to be submitted to a manager within
one (1) day of the incident. The report shall be copied to the BMS/DBP.
Commentary: Discipline is a necessary part of parent-child/youth relationships. The purpose
of discipline is to teach and guide the child/youth toward desirable and acceptable behaviors.
The terms discipline and punishment are often used interchangeably. However, it is critical for
foster parents to understand that discipline and punishment are two very different concepts.
Discipline offers structure and guidance and is instilled in a child/youth so that he/she can become
self-disciplined. It encourages desired behavior by
promoting positive behavior, promoting selfcontrol, and when necessary, responding to a
child/youth’s lack of self-control. The intent of
discipline is to be preventative and teach a
child/youth the right way to prevent or solve
problems.
Punishment, on the other hand, is imposed on
the child/youth and deals with problems after
they occur. Punishment imposes sanctions on the
child/youth that may stop undesirable behavior,
but it often does not teach the right or expected
behavior. Punishment may also include the
infliction of physical pain for the purpose of disciplining.
It is important to understand that ineffective discipline techniques may escalate undesirable
behavior which places increased stress on the child/youth and the foster family and may lead
to placement breakdown.
Policy 4.12: Annual Review of a Regular/Specialized Foster Home
1. The approval of a Regular Foster Home/Specialized Foster Home shall be reviewed
annually.
2. The Foster Home Safety Checklist shall be reviewed and a new Declaration of
Confidentiality shall be signed as part of the annual review process.
3. A social worker may request updated medicals, references or other supporting
documentation as part of the annual review process.
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4. The applicable Foster Home Agreement shall be reviewed with the foster parent(s) and
re-signed every five (5) years.
5. A Criminal Records Check for every person 12 years of age and older, and a Child, Youth
and Family Services Record Check for every person who resides in the home will be
required every five (5) years from the date of approval.
6. If a criminal record check identifies a current criminal charge(s) or previous criminal
conviction(s) for a child/youth, the social worker shall stamp the criminal record check
documentation with the non-disclosure date. Please refer to the Youth Corrections
Records Management policy for additional information.
The social worker shall interview all persons residing in the foster home as part of the annual
review process.
The social worker must compile a written review of the competencies demonstrated by the
foster family as part of the annual review process. This review should include the following:
a) the names of children/youth placed in the home and the dates when they entered and/or
left the home since the previous review;
b) the ability of the foster parent(s) to meet the PRIDE competencies relevant to their level
of approval including their strengths, needs and challenges, as well as the impact of
fostering upon their family and their biological child(ren);
c) the quality of care being provided to the child/youth placed in their care, including any
concerns;
d) the training/educational sessions that the foster parent(s) have attended, including any
specialized training;
e) the training opportunities offered to the foster parent(s) that were not availed of by the
foster parents and the reasons why they did not attend;
f) the support and services required, including training; and
g) a recommendation regarding the continued approval and/or closure of the home.
The annual review shall be completed in consultation with other social workers and/or
professionals working with the foster family as part of the child/youth’s In Care Planning Team.
If concerns present during the review, the social worker may request that any supporting
documentation outlined in the Regular Foster Home Approval Process policy or the Specialized
Foster Home Approval Process policy be updated. Updated medicals, references, criminal
records check, etc. can assist the social worker in compiling a thorough review of the current
strengths, needs and challenges communicated by the foster parent(s), and may also identify
issues impacting their ability to provide care to the child/youth. The written annual review, with
the social workers recommendations, shall be submitted to the supervisor who shall decide if
the foster home approval will be renewed for another year.
The social worker shall provide the foster parent(s) with a copy of the annual review and a letter
notifying them of the outcome of the review within a timely manner of the supervisor making
a final determination.
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Policy 4.13: Foster Home Investigations
1. All allegations of maltreatment in a
foster home placement shall be assessed
to determine if an investigation is
required.
2. The investigating social worker that is
assigned shall not be the social worker
responsible for the foster home and the
child/youth placed in the home.
3. The social worker conducting an investigation shall determine what action is necessary
to ensure the safety and well being of all children or youth in the home.
4. The social worker shall immediately refer all allegations of physical and sexual abuse to
the police.
5. The foster home investigation, including the final decision regarding the continued
approval or closure of a foster home, shall be completed within 60 days.
The social worker responsible for the foster family, child/youth and birth parents shall be
responsible for the following:
a) meet with the foster parents at the commencement of the investigation unless the
integrity of the investigation will be jeopardized;
b) provide the investigating social worker with relevant information about the foster home;
c) provide ongoing support to the foster parents by helping them understand the
Department’s responsibility to investigate, explaining the investigation process,
answering questions, acknowledging their feelings and concerns in a way that does not
interfere with the investigation and providing information about the allegation support
provided by the NLFFA;
d) in conjunction with the investigating social worker, meet with the foster parents at the
conclusion of the investigation to discuss the outcome of the investigation and the impact
on their foster home approval;
e) place a copy of the investigation report on the foster home file;
f) provide the foster family with written confirmation of the outcome of the investigation
and the decision regarding the continued approval or closure of their home;
g) support the child or youth throughout the investigation;
h) make alternate placement arrangements for the child or youth if necessary and prepare
and assist the child or youth with a placement change;
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i) inform the parent’s social worker or the parent(s) as quickly as possible about the
investigation, placement plans and supports for the child or youth and the outcome of
the investigation;
j) provide the investigating social worker with relevant information about the child;
k) consult and inform the child or youth where age and developmentally appropriate about
the investigation (providing it does not interfere with the investigation) and decisions
affecting their care; and
l) be responsible for consulting with his or her supervisor and the child or youth’s planning
team, to develop a placement plan for the child or youth pending the outcome of the
investigation and a decision regarding the continued approval of the foster home.
A case conference shall be held to review the outcome of the investigation and the
recommendations regarding the continued approval of the foster home. This case conference
shall include the social worker and supervisor involved with the investigation, the social worker
and supervisor for the foster home, the child/youth in care and the family.
The foster parents must be notified in person of the outcome of the investigation and the
decision regarding the continued approval or closure of their home.
The manager shall make the final decision regarding the continued approval of the foster
home. If the home is not closed but there is a conditional approval, the foster parent(s) shall
agree to the conditions as part of the continued approval and the conditions shall be
documented in the foster home file and monitored as part of the ongoing work with the
foster family.
The foster parent(s) must be notified in person of the outcome of the investigation and the
decision regarding the continued approval or closure of their home. The manager shall
provide written confirmation of the decision to the foster parent(s) as soon as possible after
the in-person meeting.
EXCEPTION TO POLICY:
If there are extenuating circumstances that interfere with the completion of an investigation
within the 60 day timeframe, an extension may be granted with the approval of a manager.
This extension must outline the reason for the extension and the anticipated timeframe for
completion. The foster home shall be notified in writing of the extension, the rationale and the
new timeframes for completion of the investigation.
Commentary: As foster parents, there is a risk that an allegation of inappropriate behavior could
be made against you. The best interest of the child/youth is the paramount consideration in
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any investigation. The decision to leave a child/youth in the home or remove him/her while the
investigation is being conducted is made considering the child/youth’s best interest. The
responsibility for making this decision remains with a manager or a social worker. It is important
to remember that children can be maltreated in foster families as well as in birth families. Again,
when a decision has to be made, the best interest of the child/youth is the paramount
consideration.
It is important for foster parents to understand that even if an allegation is determined to be
unsubstantiated, this does not automatically mean your home will continue to be used as a
placement option. The manager and/or their designate have ultimate responsibility for
children/youth in care and for the approval of homes to meet their needs. Generally, what this
means is that your home may or may not be used again following an allegation. It is important
for foster parents to understand that a possible outcome of the investigation could be home
closure.
The experience of an investigation can be traumatic and cause a great deal of upheaval in your
life. You may feel isolated and experience feelings of anger towards the child/youth, your social
worker and the system. As difficult as it will be, you need to remind yourself that social workers
are only doing their jobs and, ultimately, we all have the best interest of children/youth at heart.
Throughout an investigation process, it is important that you avail of any support that is available
to you and your family. You need to have someone to talk to where you can express your feelings
without fear of judgment. You need to be able to talk about what is happening and to put the
situation in perspective. While you may be able to obtain support from family, friends and your
social worker, there is also allegation support available from the Provincial Foster Families
Association. This confidential service is available by calling the office at 754-0213 or toll free at
1-877-754-0218.
Policy 4.14: Closure of a Foster Home
1. The closure of a foster home shall be completed in accordance with the procedures
related to the reason for closure.
2. The foster parent(s) and the Newfoundland and Labrador Foster Families Association
shall be notified in writing of the foster home closure.
Closure of a foster home may occur for a number of reasons which include, but are not limited
to:
a) at the request of the foster parent(s);
b) inactivity for one year;
c) the foster home is a relative/significant other placement and the child/youth placed in
the home no longer requires a placement;
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d)
e)
f)
g)
criminal conviction of a child related crime;
concerns regarding child maltreatment;
failure to adhere to Departmental policy regarding the standards of care; and
illness or changes in family composition which affects their ability to care
for a child/ youth.
At the Request of the Foster Parent(s)
When a foster parent indicates that they plan to close their home the social worker shall meet
with them to:
a) discuss the reason for closure and note the reason(s) on the foster home file;
b) collect any documentation they may have in their possession in relation to a child or
youth in care;
c) if deemed appropriate, advise them of the process to reapply at a later date which
includes:
(i) foster homes may reopen within one year of closure without a reassessment
pending a review of the file and with the approval of the supervisor.
(ii) foster homes that have been closed for more than one year will have to reapply.
Inactivity of the Foster Home for a Period Exceeding One Year
If a child or youth has not been placed in a foster home for a period exceeding one year the
social worker shall meet with the foster parent(s) to assess if they wish to continue fostering.
If the foster parent(s) is unable to resume fostering, the social worker shall close the home and
follow the steps outlined in section 2 of this policy.
Closure of a Relative/Significant Other Foster Home
When a relative/significant foster home is closed because the child or youth that they have a
significant connection with no longer requires a placement, the social worker shall:
a) review the file and in consultation with the supervisor decide if the individual/couple
should be approached about making an application to be assessed as a non relative foster
parent; and
b) collect any documentation the foster parent(s) may have in their possession in relation
to the child(ren)/youth in care.
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The Manager Decides to Close a Foster Home
If a manager decides to close a foster home the social worker shall meet with the foster
parent(s) to:
a) discuss the reason(s) for closure;
b) collect any documentation the foster parents may have in relation to a child or youth in
care;
c) advise them they can contact the Newfoundland and Labrador Foster Families
Association if they feel they need support regarding the closure of their home.
3. Policy: Youth Services
Overview: Youth Services
The Youth Services Program (YSP) assists young people who have been determined to be in
need of protective intervention in accordance with the definition of a child in need of protection
as outlined in s.10 of the CYCP Act. In addition, the YSP is designed to assist youth during their
transition to early adulthood by helping them make connections to supports and services
available to them once they leave this program.
The Youth Screening and Assessment Tool is used in the assessment of a youth’s need for
services through this program. The program assists youth who are:
• At risk of maltreatment and can no longer reside with
their parents;
• At risk of being asked to leave the family home;
• Transitioning to the YSP from the In Care
Program; or
• Transitioning home from the In Care Program
and requesting support to assist with the
transition.
Youth Services Agreement
The YSP is designed to assist youth who voluntarily
request support. By entering into a Youth Services
Agreement, the program aims to help youth meet their
basic needs and improve their quality of life. Support focuses
on the areas of a youth’s life that are known to improve quality
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of life, including financial support, housing stability, relationships, life skills, identity development,
education and emotional well-being.
Given that life-long connections to family and community are crucial to future health and wellbeing, efforts are made, where possible, to: support a youth to remain with their family;
facilitate a youth’s return to live with their parents; or secure a living arrangement with relatives
or significant others.
ENGAGEMENT OF YOUTH
Youth engagement is critical to maximizing a youth’s success. Although youth may enter the
program seeking financial support only, it is hoped that every youth will take advantage of other
supports available and utilize the Youth Services Plan to set goals for their future health and
well-being.
Policy 5:3: Youth Services Agreement (YSA)
1. The purpose of a YSA is to document the responsibilities of each party to the agreement
related to the services to be provided to the youth.
2. A YSA does not constitute a care or custodial relationship between the parties nor does
it give a social worker authority to consent to services or medical care on the youth’s
behalf.
3. A YSA shall be completed where a youth, determined to be in need of protective
intervention, requests and is approved for residential or supportive youth services.
4. A YSA may be signed and service provided until the youth’s 18th birthday.
5. Where the youth was not in the care or custody of a manager on his or her 16th birthday,
and signed a YSA prior to his or her 18th birthday, the YSA may be extended beyond the
youth’s 18th birthday until the youth’s completion of high school or an equivalent
program, as defined in the glossary, or the youth’s 19th birthday, whichever occurs first.
6. Where the youth was in the care or custody of a manager on his or her 16th birthday
and signed a YSA prior to his or her 18th birthday, and he/she is now attending an
educational or rehabilitation program, as defined in the glossary, the YSA may be
extended until the youth’s 21st birthday.
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Informed Decision Making
As the Youth Services Program is voluntary and engagement of youth is critical to maximizing a
youth’s success, social workers engage with youth as active participants in service planning
through the signing of a YSA and development and implementation of a Youth Services Plan.
Social workers work with youth to ensure the youth has all the information needed to make
informed decisions regarding his/her lives.
The social worker shall provide the youth with accurate and complete information about the
Youth Services Program, and the YSA, including:
a) The nature, purpose, extent and limitations of services;
b) Foreseeable risks and benefits associated with services;
c) Potential opportunities associated with services;
d) Alternatives to the proposed services;
e) Information about others who may be involved with services, including their roles in
service provision (e.g. Life Skills Coordinator, Community Youth Worker, etc.);
f) Roles and expectations of each person involved, including the youth;
g) What happens if the youth does not consent to services; and
h) The youth’s right to refuse services.
Youth Services Agreement
The YSA shall:
a) Be signed by the youth, social worker and
supervisor within 45 days of the youth’s
request for service;
b) Include a Youth Services Plan which has been
developed with the youth and in consultation
with appropriate third parties identified by the
youth to be included in the planning process;
c) Be reviewed and updated, with the youth’s
participation every six months; and
d) Be kept on the youth’s file with a copy provided to the
youth.
Before signing a YSA, a social worker shall:
a) Explain the nature, purpose, extent and limitations of the YSA to the youth, including
age and other eligibility criteria (e.g. eligibility post age 18) for extending the YSA in
the future;
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b) Advise the youth that a YSA constitutes a legally binding and enforceable agreement
notwithstanding he/she is less than 19 years of age (the age of majority in this province);
c) Inform the youth that he/she may seek independent legal advice prior to signing the
agreement and that legal counsel may be present for the signing of the agreement. The
social worker shall offer to facilitate a referral to Legal Aid for this purpose, if the youth
so wishes;
d) Invite and encourage the youth to have a support person present for the signing of the
agreement, if he or she so wishes; and
e) Use simple, clear, understandable and developmentally appropriate language to explain
the above while being alert to any concerns the youth may have and inviting the youth
to ask questions regarding the Youth Services Program, the YSA and services available to
them;
f) The social worker shall document this discussion on the youth’s file.
Extending a Youth Services Agreement
Where the youth was not in the care or custody of a manager on his or her 16th birthday, and
signed a YSA prior to his or her 18th birthday, the YSA may be extended beyond the youth’s
18th birthday until the youth’s completion of high school or an equivalent program, as defined
in the glossary, or the youth’s 19th birthday, whichever occurs first.
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Where the youth was in the care or custody of a manager on his/her 16th birthday and signed
a YSA prior to his/her 18th birthday, and he/she is now attending an educational or rehabilitation
program as defined in the glossary, the YSA may be extended until the youth’s 21st birthday.
Where a YSA has been extended beyond the youth’s 18th birthday, a social worker shall explain
to a youth that:
a) he/she is required to participate in one of the required educational or rehabilitation
programs as defined in the Glossary, and maintain an 80% attendance record; and
b) he/she is expected to provide copies of his/her attendance records or consent to having
the record sent directly to the social worker from the respective educational/ rehabilitation
program.
There are times when a youth, previously in the care or custody of a manager, has been accepted
into an educational or rehabilitation program that does not commence prior to his or her 18th
birthday, or a youth meets the academic qualifications for a post-secondary program but has
been placed on a waitlist. In these situations, and with supervisory approval, a YSA may be
extended and remain in effect for six (6) months beyond the youth’s 18th birthday. Extensions
beyond six (6) months may be considered on a case-by-case basis, with a zone manager’s
approval.
Youth Services Plan
The Youth Services Plan shall be based on goals identified by the youth and supported by the
social worker. These goals are developed in partnership with the youth and in consultation with
any appropriate third parties, as identified by the youth. The goals set may vary and will reflect
one of the following circumstances:
a) a youth who is seeking financial supports only to meet his/her basic needs;
b) a youth who is seeking financial and supportive services to meet his/her basic needs and
to improve the quality of his/her life; or
c) a youth who requests supportive services to prevent family breakdown.
Where a youth receives supports from multiple service providers, the social worker shall, with
the youth’s informed consent, contact others involved in the youth’s life to coordinate services.
This will include regular information sharing and consultation between service providers, the
social worker and the youth.
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A social worker shall have contact with a youth once per month at minimum to review the goals
outlined in the Youth Services Plan. The frequency of face-to-face contact will be agreed upon
by the social worker and the youth and will be documented in the Youth Services Plan but
contact shall be at least monthly.
For youth requesting financial support only, a social worker shall make efforts to engage the
youth in goal setting to address other life areas such as education, relationships and life skills.
EXCEPTIONS TO POLICY:
Developing a Youth Services Plan when a youth lacks mental capacity:
Although a YSA shall not be signed with a youth in need of protective intervention who lacks
mental capacity, services may still be provided to the youth and his or her family, if the services
are required to prevent the removal of a youth. While a YSA is not signed in this situation a
Youth Services Plan shall be developed, signed by and reviewed with the parent(s), in
accordance with this policy. Further information regarding the decision to remove a youth is
included in Removal of Youth policy.
Policy 5.15: Post-Secondary Education and Career Planning
1. Youth who were in the continuous custody of a manager on his or her 16th birthday and
have signed a Youth Services Agreement are eligible
to have post-secondary education costs covered up
to the age of 21.
2. Eligible youth shall be provided with financial support
to complete one post-secondary education program.
3. Financial support shall only be provided to youth
attending post-secondary institutions in this province
that are recognized by the Canada Student Loans
program.
4. Youth who have entered into a Youth Services
Agreement but were not in the continuous custody
of a manager on his or her 16th birthday are not eligible to have post-secondary
education costs covered by CYFS.
5. Youth not eligible to have post-secondary education costs covered by CYFS may continue to
be supported by the Youth Services program in accordance with the eligibility requirements
of that program while attending his or her post-secondary education program.
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A supervisor may approve the cost of up to two post-secondary program application fees for
youth planning to attend post-secondary education, including those not eligible to have tuition
covered. In exceptional circumstances, the zone manager may approve one additional program
application fee.
Where the purchase of specific tools and/or uniforms is required by the program of study (e.g.
tool list issued by the school for a trades program), the youth and social worker must identify
the most economical means of purchase (i.e. used books or equipment).
The social worker shall evaluate, and document on the youth’s file, the youth’s attendance,
commitment and performance in the preceding semester before recommending to a manager
that CYFS pay the youth’s tuition for the following semester. In making this recommendation,
the social worker should consider whether any factors affected the youth’s performance during
a semester (e.g. struggling with transition to adult education during first semester, illness, family
complications, etc.).
Where a youth reaches their 21st birthday during a semester, the youth’s tuition fees and all
other Youth Services allowances shall be paid up to the end of the semester in which the youth’s
21st birthday occurs.
Where the youth intends to continue with post-secondary studies beyond their 21st birthday,
the social worker shall assist the youth in advance to make application for student aid in
accordance with the application schedule set out by the Canada – Newfoundland and Labrador
Student Financial Assistance program.
Where a youth has enrolled in post-secondary education and CYFS is paying the youth’s tuition
and school fees, all other allowances shall be paid in accordance with the Financial Services for
Youth policy.
Where a youth is attending a post-secondary educational program outside of the community
where they reside in a foster home and the plan is for the youth to regularly return to the foster
home for weekends and during school breaks, the foster parent shall continue to receive the
basic foster care rate while the youth is enrolled in the post-secondary education program up
to the end of the semester in which the youth turns 21.
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Where the foster parent continues to receive the basic foster care rate:
a) The social worker shall discuss with the foster parent that when the youth is returning
for weekends the foster parent is responsible for costs as outlined in the Basic Foster
Care Rate policy. While receiving the basic rate, the foster parents are also responsible
to ensure the youth has adequate personal care items (e.g. shampoo, deodorant);
b) The foster parent shall not displace the child/youth by taking another child/youth into
their home;
c) The youth will receive support in accordance with rates set out in In Care or Youth
Services policies (e.g. support for tutoring, clothing allowance, school supply allowance,
etc.) and where applicable, the social worker shall arrange for all Youth Services
allowances to be paid directly to the youth.
Where a youth is attending post-secondary school outside of the community in which they
normally reside, a social worker may approve the cost of travel for the youth to return home
during recognized school breaks (e.g. mid-term or Christmas break). If it is recommended by
the social worker that the youth should have more frequent visits to the foster home, the
supervisor may approve this. CYFS shall cover the cost of the most economical means of travel
for the youth (e.g. bus versus air travel). Foster parents may be reimbursed for mileage at the
established fluctuating basic Provincial Government rate where this is considered the most
economical means of transportation or where other means that are more economical are not
available.
Where a youth may be eligible for alternate forms of financial support (e.g. parental
contribution, RESP, the youth is entitled to support through Indian and Northern Affairs Canada),
there is an expectation that the youth access these additional supports prior to seeking funding
from CYFS. In these cases, CYFS may off-set the outstanding financial need upon the approval
of a zone manager.
Where a youth is working part-time or is participating in a paid student placement, the youth’s
income shall be considered as outlined in the Youth with Income policy and in determining the
youth’s need for financial assistance for post-secondary education. The youth will be expected
to contribute to their education, wherever possible.
Youth who are not eligible to have their post-secondary costs covered by CYFS but who begin
to attend a post-secondary program while receiving support from the Youth Services Program
shall continue to be eligible for youth services allowances up to their 18th or 21st birthday,
depending on his/her care and custody status on his/her 16th birthday in accordance with the
Youth Services Agreements policy.
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Youth who are not eligible to have their post-secondary costs covered by CYFS but who begin
to attend a post-secondary program while receiving support from the Youth Services Program
may apply for financial assistance from the Canada –Newfoundland and Labrador Financial
Assistance Program. The youth’s application for financial assistance must include a letter from
the social worker confirming the amount of financial support the youth receives from CYFS.
EXCEPTIONS TO POLICY:
1. In accordance with s.28 of the CYCP Act, where an application
for an order of continuous custody is filed with the court
prior to a child’s 16th birthday, and where the court makes
an order of continuous custody after the child’s 16th
birthday, the Assistant Deputy Minister of Service
Delivery and Regional Operations may approve the
cost of the youth’s post-secondary education. This
exception is not applicable to youth who lack
mental capacity and have entered the care of a
manager after their 16th birthday.
2. Where a youth has requested to change his/her
program of study, the social worker will work with
the young person to identify why a change is
necessary and offer support to assist the young
person to continue with their program if possible
(e.g. tutoring). If it is determined that the youth will
not continue with the current program of study, a
manager may approve one change to a youth’s program
of study.
3. Where a youth has successfully completed a post-secondary
education program and has secured employment outside of the
community in which they normally reside, the Assistant Deputy
Minister of Service Delivery and Regional Operations may approve onetime only funding to assist the youth to travel to their place of employment to a
maximum of travel costs plus $500 for set-up costs when relocation expenses are not
provided by the employer.
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Section 3: Transitions for a Child or Youth
The ideal and most desired situation is one in which a child/youth has the same consistent home
for the duration of his/her time in care. Multiple moves for children/youth can negatively impact
their emotional well-being and result in further emotional trauma. It is very important that all
efforts are made to ensure the best possible transition process for children/youth. Sometimes
this means putting aside your own feelings and emotions and focusing on how to make the
transition okay for the child/youth. It must be recognized that any transition carries with it a
degree of stress for the child/youth and the foster family.
The decision to move a child/youth may be initiated for any of the following reasons:
i) In Accordance with the Plan for the Child
These moves are usually predictable and planned in advance. Preparation and dates for the
move are worked out with all those involved - foster parents, birth parents, adoptive parents,
the child/youth and social worker.
ii) Moving to Independence
These moves can happen any time after a
young person reaches their 16th birthday. The
best situation occurs when youth are ready for
independence and moves on with continued
support from their foster parent(s). Sometimes
youth may make a decision to leave their foster
home before the foster parent(s) believe they
are ready to be on their own. This may be
challenging for the foster parent because the
youth’s decision is in conflict with what the
foster parent believes to be in the youth’s best
interest. It is important to remember, we all
make decisions based on our experiences and
young people need to know they can still count
on you for support even if you do not agree
with their decision.
As part of a team, foster parents who are caring
for youth on a long-term basis have a role to play
in helping the youth transition to adulthood.
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Here are some independent-living skills foster parents can teach a young person in their home
to help achieve this goal:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
budgeting (banking, income tax, borrowing, etc.);
general housekeeping duties (cleaning, laundry, etc.);
cooking and nutritional information;
how to use public transportation, if applicable;
how to look for a place to live;
resume writing and interview skills;
applying for and keeping a job;
applying for a Social Insurance Number and other pieces of identification;
educational choices/resources;
health needs (doctor, pharmacy, etc.);
leisure activities.
If a foster family intends to maintain contact and provide support to a young person after
he/she leaves, it is important that you talk about what this might entail. Some examples might
include: calling when they want to; coming for supper; dropping by, etc. In some cases this
may not be necessary but in other situations young people may need to know what they can
expect.
When youth are transitioning from the foster care program, it is important that foster parents
recognize the difference between active support and passive support for the youth. An example
of passive support is telling a person they can call or come for supper anytime, leaving the onus
for initiating the contact with the young person. Active support is more concrete and specific;
for example, getting together once a week for supper and specifying what day it will be,
extending an invitation for special occasions, calling once a week, offering to help with grocery
shopping and so on. Active support, as the term suggests, is more activity based and it also
means the foster parent takes the initiative to maintain contact and reaches out to the youth.
iii) Placement Breakdown
Request by Child or Youth: Occasionally a child/youth either leaves a foster home by running
away and refusing to go back, by requesting to go home, or requesting to be placed in another
foster home. The social worker will discuss the child/youth’s request with the foster family and
the child/youth. The outcome of each situation will depend upon the circumstances.
Request by Foster Family: If a placement is causing difficulty for the child/youth or the foster
family and all support efforts have been exhausted, the foster parents may request that the
child/youth be moved. In this circumstance, foster parents are asked to provide reasonable
notice to the manager or social worker.
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iv) Foster Home Closure
The closure of a foster home would necessitate a move for the child. Foster homes can close
for any number of reasons related to the personal circumstances of the foster parent(s) or
a home may be closed as the result of an investigation.
v) Change in Foster Family Circumstances
When circumstances affect the quality of care, for example, a death, serious illness, divorce,
separation or family transfer out of child’s community, it may be necessary for a child/youth
to move. Plans for moving a child/youth in these circumstances are to be worked out jointly
with the foster parents, the child, the birth family and social worker.
vi) Decision of Social Worker
The child’s social worker may decide to move the
child or youth. Situations in which this may occur
range from wanting to place brothers and sisters
together to concerns regarding the suitability of the
current placement.
vii) Court-Ordered Moves
The Court may order a child/youth to be returned
home. This may occur when the child/youth has
been temporarily placed pending a court decision. It
may also occur when a Judge rules that a temporary
or continuous custody order is no longer be in effect.
Commentary: When a child/youth leaves a home under any circumstances, there is normally grief
and loss associated with each move for the child/youth and the family. It may happen that the foster
parents do not fully agree with the plan for the child/youth, but are asked to cooperate. If this
happens, try to remember that the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services does not move
children/youth without a great deal of thought about their best interests. In fact, it is legislatively
mandated that the best interest of the child/youth is paramount in any decision making in relation
to the child/youth. If a move is happening under difficult circumstances; for example a placement
breakdown, it may be a difficult time emotionally for the child/youth, as well as the foster family. It
is important to talk about your feelings and reach out for support during these times.
Foster parents are expected to work with other members of the team to prepare the child/youth
for transitions. All information and records, and all clothing and personal belongings must
accompany the child/youth.
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Section 7: Impact of Fostering on the Children
of Foster Parents
This section, adopted from a larger piece of research, was prepared by Tracy Swan at the School
of Social Work at Memorial University. If you would like to have a copy of the full document,
you can contact the Newfoundland and Labrador Foster Families Association (754-0213, 1-877754-0218) or Tracy Swan by emailing at [email protected]
As foster parents well know, taking a child/youth into your home and providing care, can be a
wonderful source of joy but also a source of heartache and stress. Sources of stress and worry
can sometimes relate to the day-to-day demands of caring for children/youth with complex
physical, emotional, and psychological challenges. They can also relate to witnessing a
child/youth’s grief and pain over separation from his/her parents, or from the foster families’
own sense of loss when a child/youth they love moves on. Stress and anxiety can sometimes
occur when foster parent(s) are unable to get the resources they feel a child may need; and
sometimes when they are unable to get much needed support to cope with physical and
emotional exhaustion that may result from being foster parent(s).
Fostering is a family affair where all family members can potentially contribute to the well-being
of a child/youth and all family members, including the foster parents’ own children, can in
different ways experience the joys, demands, and stresses that are part of fostering. While
recognizing the many potential benefits of their children growing up in a caring family (benefits
such as learning to be a giving, responsible, and empathic human being), many foster parents
worry about the impact of fostering on their own children. What then are some of the unique
challenges biological children can experience and what do foster parents need to be aware of
and address with their children?
Many foster parents’ children help out with the
care of the children/youth placed in their
home. They may entertain younger children and
babysit, while some older children may provide
child care and others may support their parents
by providing respite care. Some foster parents’
children, even very young children, are very
aware of the demands placed on their parents,
especially their mothers, and worry about the
stress she experiences. Accordingly, foster
parents’ children not only get satisfaction from
their involvement in helping, and like their
parents take pride in the achievements of children; but they also get pleasure from being able
to support their mothers and reduce some of her stress. Many biological children also strive to
be ‘good, responsible kids’ in other aspects of their lives in order not to worry their parents.
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They try to do well in school, try to keep their personal demands to a minimum, and tend to
keep their own worries and concerns to themselves. Unfortunately, their efforts to always act
responsibly can contribute to their own anxiety and stress.
Not all biological children want to be actively involved in fostering, and some may resent the
expectation that they help with the children/youth. They find being a role model and/or
assuming a caring role, and their parents’ expectations that they do so, a heavy burden. Many
foster parents’ children also feel they must compete for their parents’ attention and some come
to believe their own needs are not as important as those of the more ‘demanding and needy’
children placed with their family. This need to compete is often experienced as a sense of loss
regarding their role and place in their family.
Many children of foster parents develop very positive
relationships with different children/youth who
become part of their family; come to consider them
friends and even siblings. When these kinds of
relationships are established, the children,
understandably, find it quite difficult to cope with the
loss when the children/youth move on. However, as
many foster parents are aware, their children can also
have negative experiences with the children/youth
placed in the home. Physical injury, verbal threats,
manipulation, theft and destruction of property can
occur; experiences which the young people tend to
perceive as a betrayal of their trust. Whether
experiencing grief when children move away from the
family, resentment associated with the loss of their
parents’ attention, and/or distress and anxiety
because of more negative experiences with
children/youth, many foster parents’ children often
find it difficult to express and share their feelings about these experiences. And as suggested
above, some children keep their feelings to themselves in order not to further burden or
disappoint their parents, especially their mothers.
The lives of foster parents’ own children are also influenced by social workers. Many children
have quite positive relationships with social workers, especially those workers who recognize
both the stresses they experience and the contribution they make to the care of children. Many
others, however, do not have any significant contact with social workers, do not feel they are
acknowledged either as individuals in their own right, or as important contributors to the care
of the children placed with their family. As a consequence, many foster parents’ children feel
ignored and that their needs are not relevant. These kinds of experiences sadly reinforce their
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perception that their needs are secondary, and contribute further to any tenuous sense of
belonging in the family.
Foster parents need to be aware of how their own children experience different aspects of
fostering and these potential impacts. They need to work diligently at keeping lines of
communication open with the children, keeping in mind that their children worry about them
and may not want to burden them with their concerns. Do not assume the children feel loved,
appreciated, and an important part of the family; and do not assume they all want to be involved
in providing care. Conscientiously maintain family time and celebrate significant events in the
lives of family members. These efforts will assist in addressing the child/youth’s concerns about
their place in the family. Where foster parents’ children desire to be involved and are
contributing to the care of children, take active steps to have their contribution meaningfully
recognized by social workers and Child, Youth and Family Services. These few but meaningful
steps will go a long way towards communicating your love and concern for your children and
will contribute to fostering being a positive experience for them.
If you have questions or concerns about the impact of fostering on your own children, discuss
these with your social worker or the staff at the Newfoundland and Labrador Foster Families
Association.
Photo courtesy of The Nunatsiaunt Government
used with permission
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Section 5: Stress Management
Fostering is a very rewarding and challenging experience. As foster parents, you have a
responsibility to take care of yourself and make sure you receive the support you need to help
you meet the responsibilities of this role. Recognizing and managing the stress in your life is
very important for your ongoing emotional and physical well-being. Everyone experiences some
level of stress in their lives and while we sometimes have no control over the things that cause
us stress, we do have control over how we respond to the stress.
Here are some suggestions you might find helpful for managing stress:
Eat right and exercise: Eating regular, balanced meals is crucial to self-care. Many of us don’t
exercise on a regular basis and most would say they can’t find the time; however, there are
ways you can increase your exercise level while still getting everything else done. Be creative!
Set aside some time for yourself everyday, even if it’s only ten minutes! Sometimes taking a
few minutes for yourself can make all the difference, whether that be ten minutes with a book,
or a cup of coffee, or simply ten minutes of quiet time. Take a few deep breaths while you are
there…you might be surprised how much this little “time out” helps.
Set aside some quality time for you and your significant other:
Make it a priority! In order to have healthy relationships, we must
work at it! Set a special date night with your spouse/partner
to ensure that you are a priority in each other’s lives. It can
allow you both the time to feel connected again in the
hectic every day pace of your lives. Perhaps try having a
lunch date during a time when the children are at
school…take advantage of your quiet time.
Understand that you cannot do everything: Accept
help when it is offered, and ask for it when you need
it. While you might have a list a mile long of things you
would like to do, you are human after all. Sometimes that
means having to accept that we cannot do it all!
Accept your limitations: In life, there will be some things that you
do well, and others that you do not. This just makes the world a more
interesting place - if we were all good at the same things, this would make us and the world a
pretty boring place to live. Recognize and accept your limitations. Don’t be afraid to ask for
help, don’t be afraid to designate someone else to do something or delegate responsibilities to
other people.
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Share household responsibilities: Don’t get caught up in the idea that you must be
“Superparent” or that only you know the right way to do things. Utilize the assistance of those
around you for cleaning, cooking and daily chores. You’d be surprised at the things that
children/youth can do to keep their own room, toys and play areas tidy, etc.
Dwell on your successes rather than your challenges: Although we’re all pretty great people,
we cannot do everything! It’s impossible…focus on the positive rather than the negative. This
is true for most things in life…your perspective on things can really impact how you feel about
them.
Seek support when you need it: There is no harm in asking for help. We encourage others
around us (e.g. children/youth) to ask for help when it is required. Why do we have so much
difficulty following our own (good) advice?
Recognize what is your responsibility and what is someone else's: It can be easy to take on
tasks or activities that are the responsibility of someone else, particularly if that person is not
doing things the way you think they should or if it is quicker for you to do it. Unfortunately while
this can be a noble gesture, it can often result in increased stress in your life and lead to feelings
of bitterness or resentment.
Address issues and difficulties as they arise: When things get hectic at home/work, it can be
easy to put them off to be dealt with later. This can sometimes add up though, and lead to more
stress. If possible, it is always best to deal with issues when they come up, especially those that
are most challenging and stressful.
Say what you mean and mean what you say: None of us are mind readers. Therefore, it is best
to say what you actually mean and not expect that others will get the 'hidden' meaning. That
leaves too much up to interpretation and contributes to breakdown in communication.
Don't sweat the small stuff: This is a great motto. It certainly helps to put things in perspective.
Think to yourself…”Does it really matter?”; “Is this a big deal?”; “Is it worth the time and energy
I am investing?”. This may help you to deal with things a little differently.
Learn to pick your battles: It might help to ask yourself, “Does this really matter in the big
picture?”
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Self-care is a fundamental tool that will allow you to balance your own physical, emotional,
relational and spiritual well-being. Some actions you can take to improve your own self-care
are as follows:
Physical
• Regular exercise
• Sleep
• Healthy eating
• Drinking enough water
• Humor and laughter
• Limit alcohol intake
• Relaxation techniques
such as muscle
relaxation, deep
breathing, meditation
• Massage, whirlpool,
sauna
• Repetitive activities such
as cross-stitching,
walking, drawing, cooking
Emotional and Relational
• Nurturing relationships
• Contact with
home/friends through
email, phone, etc.
• Talking
• Humor
• Support group
• Reflection: journaling,
writing, meditating
• Creative activity such as
drawing, sculpting,
painting, poetry and
photography
• Movies, books, music
•Having balanced priorities
• Understanding traumatic
stress and having realistic
expectations
• Counselling
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Spiritual
• Knowing your values:
Where do you tend to
find meaning and
purpose in life?
• Participating in a
community of meaning
and purpose
• Regular times of prayer,
reading, meditation
• Spiritually meaningful
conversations
• Singing or listening to
meaningful music
• Contact with religious
leaders or inspiring
individuals
• Time with art, nature or
music
• Solitude
Section 6: Advocate for Children & Youth
The Advocate for Children & Youth is an Independent Statutory Office of the House of Assembly
of Newfoundland and Labrador. This office has the authority to represent the rights, interests
and viewpoints of children/youth who are entitled to receive services and access programs
provided by the government of this province.
Who can call the Advocate for Children & Youth?
Anyone can call. Children/youth may call themselves, or an adult may call on their behalf or on
behalf of a group of children/youth.
What is the definition of “child” and “youth”?
Under the Child/Youth Advocate Act, a “child” is defined as a person under the age of 16 years.
A “youth” is defined as a person who is 16 years of age, but under 19 years of age. This includes:
•
•
•
•
A youth in care or custody under the Child, Youth and Family Services Act;
A youth on remand under the Criminal Code or the Young Offenders Act (Canada);
A youth subject to a sentence under the Criminal Code; or
A youth subject to a disposition under the Young Offenders Act (Canada), who is under
21 years of age.
Why would a person contact the Advocate for Children & Youth?
As a child or youth, you would call the Advocate for Children & Youth when:
• You have a complaint regarding access to or provision of services that have been designed
to support children and youth;
• You believe your viewpoint is not being heard or that your rights are being ignored;
• You believe that all the information about your needs has not been gathered or given
the proper consideration.
As an adult, you would call the Advocate for Children & Youth when:
•
•
•
•
You believe a child’s or youth’s viewpoint is not being heard;
You believe a child’s or youth’s rights are being ignored;
You believe a child’s or youth’s interests are not being considered;
You believe all the information about a child/youth or his/her needs have not been
gathered or duly considered;
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• You have a concern regarding the availability, effectiveness, responsiveness or relevance
of services designed to support children and/or youth.
What information will the Advocate require from you when you contact the office?
When you contact the Advocate, you will be asked for information about your concern, the
steps you have taken to resolve your concern and how you would like the office to help you.
Once you have provided this information, you will be advised if the Advocate for Children &
Youth is able to help you.
What will the Advocate for Children & Youth do?
Once contact is made with the Advocate for Children & Youth about a problem/concern, the
Advocate may review the matter and:
• help a child/youth and/or others close to the child/youth to advocate on their own
behalf;
• refer the child or youth, or a group of children or youth or the adult who called on their
behalf to appropriate supports;
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• conduct an investigation in cases where advocacy or mediation or another dispute
resolution process does not result in an outcome the Advocate believes is satisfactory;
• initiate and participate in, or assist a child/youth or an adult calling on their behalf to
initiate and participate in case conferences, administrative reviews, mediations or other
processes in which decisions are made about the provision of services;
• advocate or mediate or use another dispute resolution process on behalf of a child/youth
or on behalf of a group of children or youth;
• make recommendations to government, an agency of the government or communities
about legislation, policies and practices respecting services to or the rights of children;
and
• provide information to the community regarding the rights of children and youth,
promote their well-being and enhance child/youth advocacy interest.
However, the Advocate for Children & Youth may refuse to investigate a matter if:
• the matter occurred more than one year before the complaint was received;
• in the opinion of the Advocate for Children & Youth the matter is frivolous or vexatious,
was not made in good faith, or concerns a trivial matter;
• the complainant does not have sufficient personal interest in the matter;
• in the opinion of the Advocate for Children & Youth, the public interest outweighs the
interest of the person aggrieved;
• the circumstances do not require investigation;
• existing administrative procedures provide a remedy that is adequate to deal with the
complaint and the complainant has not availed of that remedy.
101
References
Pride Pre-Service Manual
Working with your Team: Level 3 Specialized Foster Parent Training Manual
www.childandyouthadvocate.nf.ca/pamphlets.htm
Swan, Tracy & Twigg, Robert (2011) Experiences of foster caregivers’ children: An overview of
the research.
Twigg, R. & Swan, T. (2007) Inside the foster family: What research tells us about the experience
of foster carers’ children.
K. Kufeldt & B McKenzie (Eds) Child Welfare: Connecting research, policy, and practice 2nd
edition. Wilfred Laurier Press
2011 Protection and In Care Policy & Procedures Manual
102
Appendix A: Foster Parent Agreement (Level 2)
Child, Youth and Family Services
Foster Parent Agreement (Level 2)
File No.___________________
(b) he/she has received and read the Foster Parent(s)
Handbook in Newfoundland and Labrador,
available,
and is aware of the Rate Structure (as
outlined in the Handbook or policy manual);
THIS AGREEMENT made at_______________, in
the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador, this
____ day of __________________, 20___.
BETWEEN :
Services,
The Manager of Child, Youth
nd Family
a
Zone Number
(the³Manager")
(c) he/she understands that information that he/she
provides to the Manager or social worker about a
child/youth placed in their home may be subject to file
disclosure; and
(d) he/she understands that his/her name and contact
information may be provided to the child/youth in the
future upon the child/youth¶VUHTXHVW
AND :
e
(Name of Foster Parent)
pl
3.TERM OF THE AGREEMENT
(Name of Foster Parent)
This Agreement shall come into effect on the ______
day of
___ , 20 , and remain in effect until the
______ day of __________,
20
, unless
terminated earlier by giving the other party thirty (30)
WHEREAS the Manager and social worker have an
obligation under the Child and Youth Care and days notice in writing to be delivered personally to the
other party, or unless terminated pursuant to section
Protection Act
(WKH ³$FW´ to plan for children/youth
7.
placed in the Manager's care or custody and the
foster parent(s) have indicated a willingness and
ability to care for children/youth who are in the care or
4.FINANCIAL RATES AND SERVICES
custody of the Manager;
Sa
m
(WKH³IRVWHUparent(s)
´)
AND WHEREAS the Manager or social worker is
authorized by section 63 of the Act to enter into an
agreement with a foster parent(s) who has been
approved to provide care for a child/youth who is in
the care or custody of a Manager.
The Manager agrees to:
1. PURPOSE
(b) pay block funding per child/youth based on the
current rates established by CYFS;
The purpose of this Agreement is to set out the rights
and responsibilities of the parties.
(a) pay the monthly basic rate and level fee per
child/youth based on the current rates established by
the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services
³&<)6´
(c) provide a placement allowance upon initial
placement of the child/youth with the foster parent(s);
(d) meet the special clothing needs of each
child/youth upon initial placement with the foster
parent(s);
2.REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
The foster parent(s) confirm:
(e) provide the ChildUHQ¶V Special Allowance to be
used for the child/youth¶VEHQHILW
(a) all information, statements and documents
submitted to the Manager in connection with this
Agreement are true and correct;
(f) provide a drug card for prescription medications
Form No. 14-1015a
1/3
103
if
and provide for dental and optical needs of the
child/youth as set out in policy; and
(l) permit access to the child/youth by:
x
x
x
(g) provide a Christmas allowance at the applicable
rate as set out in policy.
the social worker and the Manager;
persons authorized by the Manager; and
persons authorized access by a court order.
(m) provide reasonable notice to the Manager or
social worker if requesting that a child/youth be
removed from their home;
5. OBLIGATIONS OF THE FOSTER PARENT(S)
The foster parent(s) agree to:
(a) perform, for all children/youth placed, the caring
functions normally provided by parent(s), except the
provision of consents (e.g. consent for medical exam
and/or treatment);
(n) never
permit
the
use
of
physical
discipline/punishment towards the child/youth;
(o) never permit the child/youth to leave the province
without the prior written consent of the Manager or
social worker;
(b) ensure a physically and emotionally safe and
nurturing family environment for the child/youth;
(p) ensure that:
(c) clothe and feed the child/youth according to good
nutritional practices taking into account the
child/youth¶V ethnic/cultural heritage;
all firearms and ammunition in the foster
home are locked and stored separately from
each other according to law;
a smoke detector, and carbon monoxide
detector if required, is properly installed and
maintained in accordance with required safety
standards;
proper medication storage and dispensing
procedures are followed;
any private vehicle in which the child/youth
travels has valid automobile insurance;
the child/youth wears a seat belt or is placed
in an approved seating and safety restraint
while travelling in vehicles as required by the
Highway Traffic Act Regulations
; and
all cribs meet Federal Government safety
standards.
e
x
(d) ensure that the child/youth is provided with
medical and dental care and follows routines
prescribed by a qualified health practitioner;
pl
x
(e) encourage the child/youth to participate in
appropriate recreational and social activities;
m
x
(f) maintain regular contact with the child/youth¶V
school;
Sa
(g) keep as confidential, and not disclose, or permit
to be disclosed, any information regarding the
child/youth or his/her birth family, without the prior
written consent of the Manager or social worker;
(q) cooperate with the plan established for the
child/youth including assisting and supporting
permanency planning activities (e.g. return home,
placement for adoption, long term care or preparation
for independent living, etc.);
(i) participate in training programs offered by CYFS;
(r) return the child/youth and all of the child/youth¶V
belongings to the Manager or social worker upon the
Manager or social worker¶s request; and
(j) provide all relevant information as may be
requested by the Manager or social worker;
(k) notify the Manager or social worker of:
x
x
x
x
x
(h) contact the police and the social worker
immediately if the child/youth¶V ZKHUHDERXWV DUH
unknown and reasonable efforts to locate the
child/youth have been unsuccessful;
x
x
(s) return copies of documentation relating to the
child/youth to the Manager or social worker when the
child/youth no longer resides in the foster home.
any change of circumstances of the
child/youth (such as illness, accidents,
absences and/or behavioural changes);
any change in the circumstances of the foster
home;
a request by police to interview the
child/youth; or
any court appearances.
6. OBLIGATIONS OF CHILD, YOUTH AND FAMILY
SERVICES
The Manager and/or social worker agree to:
Form No. 14-1015a
2/3
104
(b) the Manager may (whether or not a notice has
been received from the foster parent(s)):
(a) provide support and consultation services to the
foster parent(s) consistent with the needs of the
situation, and at a level consistent with available staff
and other resources;
x
x
(b) where possible, provide notice and an explanation
for removing the child/youth from the foster parent(s)
to give the foster parent(s) an opportunity to prepare
themselves and the child/youth for the separation;
8.
move the child/youth to
placement; and/or
terminate this Agreement.
an
alternate
NOTICE
Any notice required to be given by the foster parent(s)
under this Agreement shall be given in writing to the
social worker.
(c) respect the confidentiality of the information they
have received regarding the foster parent(s) subject
to any legal requirements to disclose;
The parties have executed this Agreement as
follows:
(d) provide compensation to the foster parent(s) for
damage that may be done by a child/youth in their
care in accordance with policy;
_____________________________________
Social Worker
Date (yyyy/mm/dd)
(e) advise the foster parent(s) in writing of any plan to
change their foster parent approval status;
e
(f) ensure that for each child/youth placed, relevant
information from the Plan for the Child
and the In
is discussed with the foster
Care Progress Report
parent(s) and the foster parent(s) are advised of their
role with respect to the plan;
pl
______________________________________
Foster Parent
Date (yyyy/mm/dd)
______________________________________
Foster Parent
Date (yyyy/mm/dd)
Sa
m
(g) involve the foster parent(s) in the In Care planning
process and work with the foster parent(s) as
members of the planning team and value their input in
planning for the child/youth/ youth;
(h) where appropriate, facilitate planning between
foster parent(s) and birth parent(s);
Ihave been advised that my name will be released
to the Newfoundland and Labrador Foster
Families Association.
(i) provide services according to the Plan for the
by facilitating
Childand the In Care Progress Report
referrals to community resources or other
recommended services;
__________________________________________
Foster Parent
Date
(yyyy/mm/dd)
(j) assist the foster parent(s) with the identification
and fulfilment of training needs; and
__________________________________________
Foster Parent
Date
(yyyy/mm/dd)
(k) discuss with the foster parent(s) the legislation,
policies and procedures relevant to fostering, such as
medical consent, foster home safety, investigation of
complaints, etc.
__________________________________________
Supervisor
Date (yyyy/mm/dd)
7. DEFAULT
If the foster parent(s) fails to meet any of their
obligations under this Agreement, then:
(a) the foster parent(s) must notify the Manager or
social worker immediately; and
Form No. 14-1015a
3/3
105
Appendix B: Foster Parents’ Placement Checklist
Foster parents sometimes wish that they had asked more questions before agreeing to receive
a child/youth in their home. You can help facilitate a placement by ensuring any questions you
have are answered. The following questions are meant to be a guide; the list is not all inclusive.
It is also important to recognize that, depending on the circumstances of placement, all this
information may not be immediately available.
□
□
□
□
□
□
□
□
□
□
□
□
□
□
□
□
□
□
□
□
□
□
□
□
□
□
□
□
□
Will there be pre-placement visits?
Why is the child/youth being placed? Parents feelings about placement?
What is the child/youth’s understanding about being placed?
Who is the child/youth’s social worker and how do I reach her/him?
Who are the child/youth’s parents? Where do they live?
Does the child/youth have any siblings? What are their names? Where are they? Can they
visit?
Can parents phone or visit? Can the child/youth phone the parents? Any limitations?
What is the child/youth’s care status?
Does the child/youth have any health problems? Any allergies?
Does the child/youth have any special needs?
Does the child/youth have a family doctor? Who?
What is the child/youth’s MCP number? Is there a drug card?
Are there any upcoming medical appointments?
Where is the child/youth’s immunizations record?
What is the child/youth’s religion?
What school does the child/youth attend? Grade? Teacher’s name?
Are there any problems with the child/youth’s school attendance?
Does the child/youth have any behavioural problems? If so, how are they addressed?
Does the child/youth have a history of suicidal behaviour? Has the child/youth been
assessed?
Has the child/youth been sexually and/or physically abused?
Is the child/youth sexually active?
Is the child/youth a risk to other children in or outside the home?
Is the child/youth receiving counselling?
Does the child/youth have a criminal record? Is the child/youth on probation or an
undertaking?
Does the child/youth have a history of drug and/or alcohol use? Does the child/youth
smoke?
Does the child/youth have any habits/fears or behaviours to be aware of (e.g.. sleep with
light on, hate peanut butter, etc.)?
What are the child/youth’s hobbies? What does the child/youth like to do for fun?
When will the case conference be scheduled?
How long might the placement be?
106
Appendix C: Placement Card
Child, Youth and Family Services
Child and Youth Information Placement Card
1
CHILD/ YOUTH INFORMATION
Child/ Youth Name: _________________________________________
DOB: ___________________ (yyyy/mm/dd)
Preferred Name(s): __________________________________________ School: __________________
Grade____
Child Care Provider/ Centre Name: __________________________________________ Phone: ________________
Custody/ Status __________________
__ Language: ________________________ MCP: _____________________
Family Doctor: __________________________________________________________ Phone: ________________
Any allergies/medical alerts/ medications: ____________________________________________________________
2
FAMILY MEMBERS
Parent Name: ________________________________Phone: _______________ Email: ______________________
Address: _______________________________________________________________________________
Parent Name: ________________________________Phone: _______________ Email: ______________________
Address: _______________________________________________________________________________
Sibling Name: ________________________________Phone: ________________ Email: _____________________
Address: ____________________________________________Custody/Status: ______________________
Sibling Name: ________________________________Phone: ________________ Email: _____________________
Address: ____________________________________________Custody/Status: ______________________
Sibling Name: ________________________________Phone: ________________ Email: _____________________
Address: ____________________________________________Custody/Status: ______________________
3
4
27+(56,*1,),&$173(5621¶6,1&+,/'¶6/,)(
Name:
_________________________________ Relationship: ____________________ Phone: ________________
Name:
_________________________________ Relationship: ____________________ Phone: ________________
CURRENT PLACEMENT
Placed with: _______________________________________________ Phone: _____________________________
Address: __________________________________________________ Date Placed: _____________ (yyyy/mm/dd)
5
OFFICE CONTACT INFORMATION
Social Worker Name: ___________________________ Phone: ______________ On-Call Phone: _______________
6
UPCOMING EVENTS- Date/ Time
Event
Location
Comments
1.
2.
3.
Form No.5108-07-42-01-2011-06-30
1/2
107
ADDITIONAL FAMILY MEMBERS
ADDITIONAL APPOINTMENTS
OTHER COMMENTS
PRIVACY NOTICE
The Department of Child, Youth and Family Services collects personal information relating to children, youth and families, under the autho
Children and Youth Care and Protection Act. This information may be collected for the provision of services and/or the operations of the Dep
you have any questions about the collection or use of this information, please contact the Information Management Division of the Department
Youth and Family Services Provincial Office at Department of Child, Youth and Family Services, P.O. Box 8700 St. John's, NL A1B 4J6.
Form No.5108-07-42-01-2011-06-30
2/2
108
Appendix D: Useful Phone Numbers
Local Child, Youth and Family Services Office
________________________
On-Call Social Worker
________________________
Local Clinic/Hospital
________________________
Local Police
________________________
_____________________________
________________________
_____________________________
________________________
Aboriginal Patient Navigator Program
709-777-2110
709-777-2199
709-570-9217 (after hours)
Advocate for Children & Youth
709-753-3888
1-877-753-3888 (toll free)
Alanon/Alateen
1-888-455-2666 (toll free)
Canadian Hard of Hearing Association
Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB)
Department of Advanced Education and Skills
(Income Support)
Department of Child, Youth and Family Services
Inquiries Coordinator
709-753-3324
709-754-1180
1-800-563-2642 (toll free)
709-729-7888
1-877-729-7888 (toll free)
709-729-3721
Eating Disorder Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador 709-722-0500
1-855-722-0500
Elaine Dobbin Centre for Autism
709-722-2803
109
Epilepsy Newfoundland and Labrador
709-722-0502
1-866-374-5377 (toll free)
Gambling Helpline
1-888-899-4357 (toll free)
Innu Nation
709-497-8398 (Sheshatshiu)
709-478-8755 (Natuashish)
Janeway Children’s Health Centre
709-777-4228 (emergency)
709-777-6300 (switchboard)
Janeway Family Services
709-777-2200
Kids Help Phone
1-800-668-6868 (toll free)
Learning Disabilities Association of NL
709-753-1445
Legal Aid
709-753-7860
1-800-563-9911 (toll free)
Mental Health Crisis Line
709-737-4668
1-888-737-4668 (toll free)
Miawpukek Mi’kamawey Mawi’omi
709-882-2470
1-866-882-2470 (toll free)
Newfoundland and Labrador Association for Community Living 709-722-0790
Newfoundland and Labrador Foster Families Association
Newfoundland and Labrador Health Line
Newfoundland and Labrador Sexual Health Centre
709-754-0213
1-877-754-0218 (toll free)
1-888-709-2929 (toll free)
709-579-1009
1-877-666-9847 (toll free)
Nunatsiavut Department of Health and Social Development 1-866-606-9750
NunatuKavut Governing Council
1-709-896-0592
110
Pediatric Telephone Advice Line
709-722-1126
1-866-722-1126 (toll free)
Poison Information Centre
709-722-1110
1-866-727-1110 (toll free)
709-738-0000
1-855-955-4663 (toll free)
Ronald McDonald House
Sexual Assault Crisis Line
709-726-1411
1-800-726-2743 (toll free)
Smokers Helpline
1-800-363-5864 (toll free)
St. John’s Native Friendship Centre
709-726-5902 (main)
709-726-5970 (shelter)
Hope Valley Treatment Centre
(Addictions)
Grand Falls-Windsor
709-489-6730
Tuckamore Treatment Centre
(Complex Needs)
Paradise
709-752-3914
111