Caregiver Support Program

SOS Children’s Village BC provides support and encouragement to foster parents and caregivers working with children in care. Available individually and in group settings, caregiver supports help foster parents to understand the complex psychological and behavioural dynamics of vulnerable children and youth. Caregiver support programs provide foster parents with a broad range of coping skills and parenting strategies. They are also an opportunity for foster parents to network with their peers – helping to combat the feelings of isolation and burn-out often experienced by those in the caring field.

BUILDING CHILD-CENTRED CARE

Caregiver supports help to reduce placement breakdown for children in foster care and help caregivers build their skills, so they can provide child-centered care. Additionally, for families caring for Indigenous children, efforts are made to bridge the family to appropriate cultural resources and practice cultural sensitivity.

PROVIDING SUPPORT WHERE AND WHEN IT’S NEEDED

Caregiver support is provided based on the individual needs of the caregiver or family. Support is offered through monthly group sessions, home meetings, telephone support and through advocacy efforts.

Additionally the SOS Clinical Director and lead SOS Therapist are onsite at the Village five days a week and provide ongoing support for caregivers outside of structured therapeutic work.

Monthly Caregiver Support group sessions have included an educational workshop series as a pilot for a similar program for the youth at the village. The sessions included: NO Bullying program, Substance Use Prevention, and Identity: Where do I fit in?

PROGRAM FUNDING

Five Caregivers at the SOS Village are funded for this program through the Vancouver Aboriginal Family Services Society. Other participants are supported by the generous donations of Individual SOS Donors.

PROGRAM LOCATION

SOS Children’s Village BC – Village located in Surrey, B.C.

HOW DO I GET INVOLVED IN THE CAREGIVER SUPPORT PROGRAM?

At this time we are not accepting additional participants, however if you would like to be put on a wait list, please mention Caregiver Support Program in the subject line of your email and contact us at [email protected].