The Interior Region Foster Homes Protocol (pdf)
was signed by the Interior Regional Authority of MCFD and Interior
foster parent organizations, along with the Federation of Aboriginal
Foster Parents in March of 2005. This document recognizes the special
role that foster parents have and provides a clear direction on the
roles, responsibilities and rights of everyone involved in
investigations and issue resolution.
Protocol for Investigating Reports of Abuse or Neglect in Foster Homes.
This protocol is used when MCFD receives a
report that a child in a foster home has been or is likely to be abused
or neglected.
Protocol for Resolving Issues between Foster Parents and Interior Regional Staff.
This protocol is used when a service issue between MCFD Staff and Foster Parents requires formal resolution.
Community Living BC has
one protocol for Foster Parents:
Protocol for Investigating Reports of
Abuse or Neglect in Foster Homes (Pdf)
CLBC also has a Complaints Resolution
Process (Pdf)
Support Workers
If you are involved in a Protocol you are entitled and
encouraged to receive support from a trained volunteer 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 protocol process. You can ask
another person to support you instead of, or in addition to, the Foster
Parent Support Worker. Your Resources Social Worker will also give you
support and information and keep you informed throughout the process.
There are several foster parents in the Okanagan who have
received Support Worker training. Each Support Worker has sworn an Oath
of Confidentiality, so your personal situation and information will be
treated as confidential. Foster Parent Coordinators will also act as
Support Workers, as will the Interior liaison for the Federation of
Aboriginal Foster Parents. For a complete list of Support Workers
available in your Community please contact your Foster Parent
Coordinator or your Resource Social Worker.
