McMan is searching for supportive individuals and families interested in becoming Therapeutic Foster Caregivers, July 2022. (Photo: A.Gibson-Epp)

By Ainsley Gibson-Epp

New approach toward foster care in Southern Alberta

Jul 25, 2022 | 4:53 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – A new inclusive foster care program is focused on the specific needs of children in Southern Alberta.

The method takes an alternative approach aimed at strengthening the family relationships of children who may have complex trauma-related care needs. The initiative is new to the province, and is focused on reuniting children and youth with their families.

The Therapeutic Foster Care program aims to build connections between children and their culture, family of origin, and the community, while still keeping children in a safe foster support system. The long-term goal of the program is to have children return home or to find another safe, permanent living arrangement that meets the individual needs of each child.

“What we’re doing is bringing the foster family into the children’s existing networks. In doing so, we strive to enhance these existing family and community connections, rather than disrupt or separate them,” explains Damon Van Ginneken, Director of Services at McMan Youth, Family and Community Services Association, South Region.

One of the program’s top priorities is placing Indigenous children with their families of origin or having another Indigenous caregiver take them in before considering other options. Even when other options must be considered, organizers say it is extremely important to ensure that the child’s connection with their community and family of origin is maintained and even enhanced.

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Additionally, the program aims to make the child-to-caregiver ratio smaller than the traditional foster system, creating more opportunities for caregivers and specialists to connect with each child.

Organizers believe the Therapeutic Foster Care environment can also help mitigate some factors like negative peer influences and over-stimulating environments for children with certain disabilities, creating a better environment for children to recover.

Therapeutic Foster Caregivers are needed in many regions of Southern Alberta, including Lethbridge, Taber, Medicine Hat, Brooks, Pincher Creek, Fort MacLeod, and surrounding areas.

Program organizers are searching for supportive individuals and families who are interested in becoming Therapeutic Foster Caregivers. The training for foster parents and caregivers is more in-depth with the new program, including intensive paid training, access to a team of therapeutic professionals, support for crisis situations and emergencies, psychological consultations, and ongoing care.

For more information on the program, visit the Therapeutic Foster Care website.

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