Foster Care Report - September 2006

NUNAVUT

Introduction

In Nunavut, foster care is a placement option for children who are living away from home. The Regional Supervisors of Social Programs under the Child and Family Services Act approve foster homes through delegated authority from the Director of Child and Family Services. Placements are made by social workers in the community offices. There are three regions in Nunavut, Baffin, Kivalliq and Kitikeot. The Department funds the foster homes through the budgeting process.

Types of Foster Care

Nunavut has three types of foster care: Extended Family, provisional foster homes (child-specific homes) and regular foster homes. Some of the regular foster homes may have developed additional skills with difficult children and may be assigned such children.

Extended Family Foster Homes (Kinship Care)

The Child and Family Services Act states that placement with extended family is a priority and specifies the preference for this type of placement where possible. The homes are expected to follow the approval process just like regular foster homes but a child can be placed prior to the approval.

Provisional Foster Homes

These are child-specific homes that are approved by the Regional Supervisors of Social Programs in the regions.

Regular Foster Homes

Are pre approved foster homes allowing for the placement of any child under the Child and Family Services Act.

Training and Approval

The home study is the basis of the evaluation process for any foster home for children. The home study is prepared by the community social worker and submitted to the Regional Supervisor of Social Programs for review and ultimate approval.

The home study collects information on the applicant's motivation to foster a child, their education, employment history, income, residence, skills, their health, marital relationship, and relationships with their own children, attitudes towards raising children, to religion, to education, and to community standards.

The home study explores the attitudes towards contact with family of origin and ability to deal with pressures from the family of origin should this become a reality. References are required from a minimum of two non-related persons on the subject of the family's ability to parent.

The foster home agreement is signed yearly after approval has been completed. The Regional Supervisor of Social Programs may approve, approve with conditions or revoke an approval as a foster home.

Approval as an extended family or provisional foster home as with a regular foster home includes a criminal record check, reviews of departmental records, medical examinations, and an in-depth home study. Yearly reviews of the home are required. Extended and provisional homes are closed upon the child leaving the home.

Some of the foster parents may be identified by the social worker as having special skills in handling difficult and challenging children and as such they may be assigned such challenging children. No universal standardized training for foster parents is available to date in Nunavut.

Review/Evaluation

Yearly updates of foster homes are required and are submitted to the Regional Supervisors of Social Programs.

Appeals/Complaints

Appeals of decisions may be made to the Director of Child and Family Services although most decisions made are in the best interest of the child. Any foster parents who are not satisfied with the services are encouraged to communicate with the worker or failing that the community supervisor, the Regional Director of Social Programs and Services, then to the Director of Child and Family Services.

Allegations of Abuse or Neglect

A community worker not directly responsible for supervision of the home must investigate allegations of abuse or neglect immediately. Physical or sexual abuse complaints must be referred to the police for investigation of possible criminal charges.

Damage Compensation

Foster parents do not have to carry liability or homeowners insurance. When a child willfully or accidentally causes damage to property an application must be made to the Regional Supervisor of Social Programs for reimbursement from Child Protection funds. In matters of any significant amounts the Regional Supervisor of Social Programs would request approval from the Director of Child and Family Services.

Community Foster Parent Associations

Nunavut is currently supporting the creation of community foster parent associations with the goal of linking the community associations together to form regional associations, and over time, to create a Nunavut association. The National Foster Parent Association has indicated its support to Nunavut in this regard.

Foster Care Rates

Foster Care rates vary in Nunavut to a maximum of $100.00 per day. The child's needs are assessed and through negotiation a rate is established

Basic Maintenance Rates

The Department has a basic maintenance rate for Foster Care Homes. The rate is to cover food, housing, laundry, personal items and additional care costs for the child placed and are not deemed to be payment for services rendered. All foster care payments remain tax free.

Basic Maintenance Rates (effective June, 2005)

Geographic Area	Base Daily Rate (minimum)	Maximum Daily Rate
Rankin Inlet, Cambridge Bay, Pangnirtung, Sanikiluaq, Iaqaluit, Kimmirut, Whale Cove, Arviat, Cape Dorset and Kugluktuk	$43	$100
Qikiqtarjuaq, Hall Beach, Repulse Bay, Cheserfield Inlet, Cyle River, Igoolik, Baker Lake and Coral Harbour	$45	$100
Pond Inlet, Artic Bay, Resolute Bay	$47	$100
Taloyoak, Gjoa Haven, Grise Fiord, Kugaaruk	$50	$100

Additional Allowable Expenses

The Department of Health and Social Services may provide additional amounts to cover emergency and initial placement costs. Additional funds may be provided for initial and seasonal clothing, gifts at birthday and Christmas, spending monies, recreation, sports, vacation travel, project related travel, land activities, day care, medical costs not covered through NIHB or accepted health care program and summer programs. Other items and services may be approved based on need.

Respite Care

Respite care may be arranged by the social worker when requested if there are sufficient resources available.

Special Rate Provisions

Upon placing the child in foster care the social worker approves the basic rate or requests approval of the Regional Supervisor of Social Programs for a special rate. Identification of a special rate would require justification based on the child's behaviours, the physical or mental challenges presented by the child and the amount of time required by the foster family to address the child's needs.

Substitute Care Arrangements

There are a number of alternate care placements in Nunavut to meet the needs of special children. There are two contracted group home facilities for challenged children 0-16 years of age with a total of 16 beds. There is one receiving home with a total of 6 beds and one long term care facility with up to 12 beds.

There are no institutional facilities in Nunavut for children in care. Out-of-territory placements are used when necessary where space is available. Voluntary Services Agreements are available for youth aged 16-19 who have entered into agreement with the Directors of Child and Family Services, to assist with independent living or other similar services.

Contact

Norm Murray
Director
Child and Family Services
Department of Health and Social Services
Tel: 867-975-5750
Fax: 867-975-5722
E-mail: nmurray@gov.nu.ca