Alternative Care Program
The Alternative Care Program (ACP) is one component of the Community Care Program initiative administered by WFS in conjunction with the ten First Nations of the Rainy Lake Regional Tribal Area (RLRTA). In addition to facilitating placements for First Nation children requiring out-of-home care, the ACP seeks to establish an Anishinabe system of out-of-home care services for children and their families that is, by nature, consistent with Anishinabe customs, values, standards and practices.
Accordingly, the ACP seeks Caregivers who are dedicated to:
- preserving Anishinabe culture and heritage;
- strengthening and maintaining Anishinabe families and through them, their communities; enhancing the physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual well being of all children.
The primary goal of alternative care is reunification of the CIC with his or her family. When reunification is not possible, alternative care shall seek to facilitate placements with extended family in the child’s community, wherever possible. Long-term placement may, depending on the needs of the child, consist of adoption when this is unanimously supported by the child, the child’s biological parents, and the child’s community. |
Definition of Alternative Care
Alternative care refers to a substitute or supplemental family life experience for children requiring out-of-home placement. Alternative care placements vary in duration depending on the needs of the child and his or her family.
Referral Process
The referral proscess can happen in two ways:
- Community Level – Each First Nation Community has an Alternative Care Coordinator that can assist in placing children who require an out of home placement
- Tribal Level – Alterantive Care Coordinator can assist and support the community level Alternative Care Coordinator in placing children who require an out of home placement within the community or with Caregivers in the town of Fort Frances.
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