Frequently
Asked Questions
FAQ
- Frequently Asked Questions about Support
Workers
What
is the Support Worker Program?
The
Support Worker Program grew out of the natural helping network of
Foster Parents. Experienced Foster Parents have traditionally helped
other foster parents. Support workers are trained to assist with
needs a foster parent may have regarding when there is an allegation
of abuse. They are also available to assist Foster Parents to resolve
issues with MCFD or CLBC staff.
Who
are Support Workers?
Support
Workers are trained volunteer Foster Parents. Your Foster Parent
Coordinator can also act as a Support Worker.
What
situations do Support Workers help with?
Support
Workers receive calls and help Foster Parents find answers to many
questions. This informal assistance can often bring a quick and
simple resolution to a situation before it requires a more formal
approach.
Support
is also provided in specific situations outlined as Protocols.
Protocols were developed jointly by MCFD and several Foster Parent
organizations.
There
are two Protocols for MCFD Foster Homes:
Protocol
for Investigating Reports of Abuse or Neglect in Foster Homes
Protocol
for Resolving Issues between Foster Parents and Interior Regional
Staff
A
copy of the Protocols is available here
There
is one Protocol for CLBC Foster Homes:
Protocol
for Investigating Reports of Abuse or Neglect in Foster Homes
CLBC
also has a Complaints Resolution Process (pdf)
If
I am facing an investigation of abuse or neglect, what options do I
have?
If
you are involved in a Protocol for investigating reports of abuse or
neglect your home you should have someone with you as a support
during meetings with MCFD or CLBC staff. That person can be a family
member, friend, a Support Worker, a representative from the
Federation of Aboriginal Foster Parents, a lawyer you have hired, or
someone else you have chosen.
What
do Support Workers Do?
A
Support Worker:
-
Listens,
provides emotional support
-
Attends
meetings at the Foster Parent’s request; ensures the Foster Parent
has an opportunity to voice their concerns and perspectives and have
their views considered.
-
Assists
the Foster Parent to identify options and weigh alternatives.
-
Locates
and provides information about MCFD/CLBC policy and procedures.
-
Takes
an oath of confidentiality; keeps everything the Foster Parent says
confidential; shares information about the situation with no one
except those legally entitled to it.
-
Is
non-judgmental; provides support regardless of the outcomes.
-
Adopts
a style that supports bringing issues to a resolution through
collaborative problem solving.
-
Assists
the Foster Parent who decides to seek a review of the decision or
outcome, or who wishes to take their case to the Director.
Limits
to the Role – A Support Worker:
-
Is
not a professional
-
Does
not normally speak for the Foster Parent, but assists the Foster
Parent prepare and speak for themselves
-
Does
not make decisions for the Foster Parent
-
Does
not give legal advice.
-
Has
an obligation to report suspicions of abuse and/or neglect. If a
situation arises, the Support Worker may be called to testify in
court. (Only the lawyer-client relationship is protected with the
respect to maintaining confidentiality in court.)
-
Has
no role in determining the validity of a Foster Parent’s claims;
and no decision-making authority with respect to outcome
Why
do I need a Support Worker?
A
Support worker can discuss your situation with you by phone or in
person, answer your questions, attend any interviews with you and
take notes and give you information about the investigation. You can
ask another person to support you instead of, or in addition to, the
Foster Parent Support Worker. Your Resources Social Worker (MCFD) or
Quality Services Analyst (CLBC) will also give you support and
information and keep you informed throughout the process.
We
strongly recommend that you have a Support Worker with you when you
attend any Protocol meetings.
How
do I contact a Support Worker?
Your
Foster Parent Coordinator has a list of trained Support Workers
available in your area. Your Resource Social Worker will also have a
list. You may contact them directly or ask your Coordinator or
Resource Worker to contact them for you. Each support worker is bound
by confidentiality.
For
more information see Protocols and Support
BCFFPA
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