Caring for children and youth in B.C.
Last updated on October 26, 2023
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Support children, youth and families in your community by becoming a caregiver!
We are committed to supporting the wellbeing of children and youth in British Columbia and promoting their right to live in safe, healthy and nurturing families, where they are strongly connected to their communities and culture.
When a child or youth is unable to live at home, they need a safe, emotionally supportive place to live until they can safely return home. Caregivers can support families by caring for children and youth on a temporary basis, while helping them to keep connected to their families, communities and culture. There are many types of caregiving that make up B.C.’s network of care. Family and community members provide kinship care, individuals or families foster children and youth in their homes and individuals working for community social service agencies provide care for children and youth with complex needs in a specialized environment. These different caregivers each play a vital role in caring for vulnerable children and youth in our communities.
Kinship Care Provider
You have kinship ties, a relationship with or cultural responsibility to a child or youth who requires care outside of their parents' home.
Foster Caregiver
You are ready to welcome a child or youth into your home until they can be reunited with a family or community.
Contracted Agency Caregiver
You want to bring your skills and education to support children and youth as an employee of an agency that provides care for children and youth with complex needs.
Respite Caregiver
You are able to care for a child or youth on a part-time basis, providing a break to the parent or primary caregiver and supporting families to stay together.
Information for Current Foster Caregivers.
Did you know?
Indigenous children and youth have an inherent right to remain connected to their parents, family, community, customs, traditions, language and territory. These rights are grounded in law. Read more here: BC passes historic legislation to uphold Indigenous jurisdiction over child welfare | BC Gov News
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