PDF Ebook foster family handbook 3rd Edition
This handbook has been prepared in partnership by the Ministry for Children and Families and the B.C. Federation of Foster Parent Associations. It replaces A Guide to Foster Care in British Columbia.
The chief aim of the handbook is to explain how we work together to care for and help meet the needs of children who require foster family care. The Family Care Home program provides a framework for this work. Teamwork is a key method of helping children in care. It starts with planning for a placement of the child in your home and continues until after the child leaves.
The handbook provides essential information about the Family Care Home program:
- • what is expected of you as a foster parent
• what support and assistance you can receive from the ministry to help you care for children
• how we work together to plan for and provide the best care possible for children.
Much of fostering is guided by legislation, ministry policy and standards, but it is also guided by caring, compassion and common sense.
In this handbook, we have tried as much as possible to keep to plain, everyday language. Throughout the book we use the term foster parent to mean the same thing as family care home parent. The term foster family is also used, wherever possible, to recognize the contribution of all family members.
We hope you find this book useful in your work on behalf of the province’s children.
Contents
Introduction
1 The Family Care Home Program
- Defining the program
Role of the foster parent
Ministry support
How children come into care
Types of Family Care Homes
Types of care
Agreements with the ministry
2 Teamwork and Planning
- Importance of teamwork
The pre-placement period
The child’s Plan of Care
Keeping records
3 The Child in Your Home
- Understanding the child
Your relationship with the child’s family
Rights of children in care
Discipline and positive parenting methods
Privacy and personal possessions
Education
Religion and culture
Medical and dental care
Transportation, travel and vacations
The young person’s finances
Civil status, licences and legal matters
The Federation of B.C. Youth in Care Networks
When the child leaves your home
4 Supports and Entitlements of Foster Parents
- Payments to foster parents
Professional support services
Relief to foster parents
Taking care of yourself
B.C. Federation of Foster Parent Associations
Emergencies
Review, conflict resolution, and closure
Rights of foster parents
Insurance, Workers’ Compensation and income tax
References
The Child, Family and Community Service Act
- - guiding principles
- service delivery principles
- best interests of the child
- out-of-home living arrangements
- confidentiality and disclosure of information
- guardianship status and implications for foster parents
-rights of children in care
Rights of Foster Parents
Foster Parents’ Pre-placement Checklist
Glossary
Index
Quick Reference
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