Frequently
Asked Questions
FAQ
- Frequently Asked Questions about Relief
What is relief?
Relief is a short break away from care giving
duties. It usually means overnight care of a foster child, but it can be any
arrangement that gives a foster family a break.
Who gets relief?
Level 2 & 3 foster homes have 3 days per month
relief built into their service contract. In exceptional circumstances
restricted, regular, and level 1 caregivers may also get relief moneys.
From April 2009
to March 2010, the amount is based on the following:
- Restricted or Regular (for a child
aged 0 to 11 years) $36.70
- Restricted or Regular (for a child
aged 12 to 19 years) $40.33
- Level 1 (all ages)
$55.60
- Level 2 (all ages)
$68.35
- Level 3 (all ages)
$90.89
What are my responsibilities when sending a child
to overnight relief?
-Inform the child’s social worker of when the child
is going and who will be caring for them.
-Obtain a criminal record check from the relief
caregiver, ask your worker to do a “prior contact check”, and check the relief
caregiver’s references.
-Advise and prepare the child prior to the
provision of an alternate care arrangement.
-Ensure that the person who provides relief care:
- is capable of ensuring the safety and well-being of the child
- has the maturity, knowledge, skill and ability to meet the child’s
needs and follow through with comprehensive plan of care responsibilities
- uses positive behavior management techniques and appropriate
discipline techniques
- will be present and in charge for the period of relief care
- knows what to do in an emergency and knows how to contact you and
the child’s social worker
- has no criminal record that would affect the care, safety and
well-being of the child
- understands the importance of confidentiality
- agrees to write a daily log and document any medications
- are also informed of
- the caregiver’s obligations and responsibilities as outlined in
the caregiver’s written agreement with the director
- Standards for Foster
Homes
- The Foster Family
Handbook
- the rights of children and youth in care
How do I find someone to do relief?
- You may wish to use someone you and the child already know.
- Your resource worker(MCFD) or analyst (CLBC) may recommend another
foster parent
- Ask other foster parents who they recommend.
- Your Foster Parent Coordinator may be able to assist
Can I use a relative or friend to do relief?
Yes – but it is your responsibility to make sure
they meet requirements and the child’s social worker must approve the
arrangement.
How much do I pay a relief caregiver?
The amount you pay is a private arrangement between
you and the relief caregiver.
Important: Make
sure you agree ahead of time, and put in writing, the amount you will pay and
whether you will pay by the day or for a 24 hour period. Also, agree ahead of
time what time the child will be dropped off and when he will be picked up. Be
sure to obtain a receipt for money paid.
What if I trade relief with another foster parent?
If you trade relief you should still get a receipt
for your records for the amount you would pay if money were exchanged.
What if extra relief is needed per month?
In exceptional situations, if you need more relief
than the three days provided, talk to your Resource Worker or Analyst. You will
need pre-approval for any extra paid relief, and must ensure you provide your
Worker with copies of your receipts.
Is my relief caregiver covered by the BCFFPA
insurance rider?
No.
If their insurance carrier is unwilling to cover damage, your relief caregiver
would have to sue you, in which case you might be covered by the insurance
rider.
BCFFPA
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