This unique program actively seeks to place children with a family member or
significant adult whenever possible, thereby lessening the trauma for children who are required to be
out of the parental home. Support is provided to the family throughout the
placement, assisting them to provide the best care possible.
The ultimate goal of the program is to
have children return to their parental home. If that is not possible Kinship
families may be asked to assist in planning for a permanent placement for the
child or youth. Calgary and Area Child and Family Services Authority provides
support to Kinship families through the Kinnections program, a partnership with
Hull Child and Family Services and McMan Youth, Family and Community Services
Association.
Eligibility
Any blood relative or person who has ever been related to the child through
marriage may offer to be assessed to become a Kinship Care provider.
Getting Started
You may be approached directly by the child's Caseworker to become a
Kinship Care provider. If you know who the child's Caseworker is you may
contact them directly.
If you are unsure of who the Caseworker is or whether the child is involved
with Children's Services you may contact our Kinship program staff at (403)
297-4598. To maintain confidentiality we cannot confirm any involvement with the
child, but will forward your contact information to a Caseworker if appropriate.
If you live within the Calgary and Area region but the child is outside of the area, please
discuss the child's needs directly with the Caseworker in that
area.
If you wish to become a Kinship Care provider for a child in our care, or
can help with locating extended family, your assistance would be welcome.
Next Steps
You will be asked to participate in a home assessment, which includes a criminal
record check, an intervention record check (previous known as
a child welfare record check) and medical assessment.
Personal references are also required.
If the child is placed with you, you will receive assistance to:
- Understand the child coming into your home - they may have experienced
neglect or abuse
- Communicate with Child and Family Services staff
- Communicate and resolve conflicts with the parents and extended family
- Find financial resources and support services if the child has special
needs
- Deal with day-to-day challenges as they arise
Financial assistance is also provided to cover day-to-day expenses for food
and clothing.
Contact Information
In most cases your first contact should be with the child or youth's
Caseworker. If you are unsure of who the Caseworker is, or whether the child or
youth is involved with Children's Services, contact the Kinship Care program
administration at (403) 297-4598.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Kinship Care mean?
A: Kinship Care refers to the care, nurture
and protection of children by relatives or significant adults when children
cannot stay in their own home because of child protection concerns.
Q: Why is Kinship Care important?
A: By maintaining family, cultural or
community ties, Kinship Care helps the child through the experience of being out of the
parental home.
Q: How does Kinship Care differ from Foster
Care?
A: Kinship Care homes only provide care for children for whom Children's Services is the legal guardian or
custodian and where the caregiver is a relative or an adult with a significant
relationship to the child. They are not
licensed Foster Homes, and are not allowed other non-related foster children.
Kinship Care staff search out relatives as potential caregivers and provide
assistance in many areas to enhance family connections for these children.
Q: Can any child be placed in Kinship Care?
A: Any child for whom Children's Services is the
legal guardian or custodian can potentially be placed with family members in
a Kinship Care arrangement. The Caseworker decides placement for
the child under the Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act. If you are interested in caring for a
related child or a child with whom you have had a significant relationship, please contact their Caseworker as soon as possible.
Q: I have Private Guardianship
for a child, do I qualify for this program?
A: No, Child Welfare must be the legal
guardian or custodian of any child placed with a family member under the Kinship
Care Program.
Q: Why do I have to have a home assessment?
A: A home assessment is required to ensure
the safety and basic needs of the child can be met.
Q: Why is a criminal record/security clearance
required?
A: Criminal record checks are done to ensure
a safe placement for the child. The Child Welfare Act requires criminal record checks as part of
the home assessment.
Q: I have a previous criminal record
-- am I ineligible?
A: Please discuss your criminal record with
your Kinship Care Worker. Any positive results of the criminal record check
will be evaluated as part of the home assessment in order to determine the suitability
of your home as a Kinship Care placement.
Q: Is a Kinship Care provider expected to
provide 24 hour care?
A: Yes, however, the child's daytime
program and your work schedule are discussed with the Kinship Care Worker to
establish a schedule that accommodates everyone's needs.
Q: How are Kinship Care homes reimbursed?
A: Kinship Care providers are paid a daily
rate based on the age of the child. These payments cover the child's basic food
and clothing requirements, and are made through direct deposit at the end of
each month.
Q: Does the Kinship Care Program accept referrals
from outside of the region?
A: Yes, a family member who lives in the Calgary and Area Child and Family Services
region can be assessed for potential placement of a child living outside our
area. Please contact the Caseworker at the child's location to
discuss the child's needs. For more information, call (403) 297-4598 or for
out-of-province referrals, contact the Inter-Provincial Co-ordinator at (403)
297-2851.
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