The Federation of Foster Families of Nova Scotia originally conceptualized the idea of foster allegation support teams in 1993 around the same time as the implementation of the Protocol for Investigating Allegations of Abuse and Neglect. However, given funding restraints, it was not until January 1999 that the concept of providing support to foster parents during times of investigations of allegations of abuse and neglect was reassessed.
More recently, Foster Care Redesign offered a climate in which this service could be reassessed. It was identified as an immediate support to be put into place to meet both the needs of foster parents who had identified investigations as particularly traumatic and workers whose resources were already taxed. Careful analysis of the types and numbers of calls received by the Federation from foster parents undergoing investigations of abuse and neglect supported the need for a full time Foster Allegation Support Worker (FASW).
Program Objectives:
- increase availability of Foster Allegation Support Services
- advocate and support foster families who are undergoing allegations of abuse or neglect
- advocate and support foster families who are involved in the appeal process as a result of an investigation
- provision of educational resources for foster families, agencies, district offices regarding safeguarding precautions in foster care
- provision of accountable documentation for service delivery and program evaluation as requested by the Department of Community Services
The Foster Care Allegation Support Worker strives to meet the objectives of the Federation's Support Program through:
- protocol information sessions presented to Child Welfare Agencies / District Offices and Foster Parent Associations
- safeguarding information sessions offered to associations
- presentations during the Orientation Program to inform potential foster parents of the service
- submission of semi annual reports to the Department of Community Services, including the Child Welfare Specialists
- provision of support and advocacy to foster families going through an investigation or appeal process where they disagree with a decision affecting their home
The Foster Allegation Support Worker at the Federation of Foster Families of Nova Scotia, offers information sessions on safeguarding to all foster parents.
Safeguarding I is 2.5 to 3 hours in duration
Topics include:
- why allegations happen: this involves a brainstorming session among participants regarding some of the reasons they feel allegations happen
- prevention of allegations: this includes a brief overview of eleven different strategies for preventing possible allegations in the foster home
- protocol for Investigating Allegations of Abuse and Neglect in Foster Homes is reviewed with foster parents so that they have a better understanding of what to expect if an allegation and subsequent investigation occur. The Foster Allegation Support Worker also reviews their services and how they can assist foster parents through allegations and the appeal process
Safeguarding II is 5 to 6.5 hours in duration
Topics include:
- definitions of abuse
- indicators of abuse are explored through small and large participation
- review how foster parents can help the sexually abused child
- provide a discussion on "Good Touch, Bad Touch"
- how to deal with disclosures
- how to prepare documentation including small group participation
- review of Policies and Procedures outlined in the Foster Care Manual through a large group exercise
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