Answers to common caregiver questions.
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Even during a protocol investigation, you keep your rights as a caregiver. You have the right to be treated with consideration, trust, honesty, respect, acceptance, and fairness in all circumstances, and the right to access support of your choosing at any stage of the process. If the background information on a child included a known history of making false allegations, that history should have been shared with you by the child’s social worker before or at placement; if it was not, raise that with your resource social worker.
If you believe an allegation is unfounded and it cannot be resolved through the protocol process, the formal concerns resolution process through MCFD remains available, as does the independent external review route through the Ombudsperson of BC. CFS can support you personally and help you navigate the process, but it does not make decisions within it.
Source: Foster Family Handbook
If an allegation of abuse is made against you, a formal protocol process is triggered, and your resource social worker will explain the specific steps that apply to your situation. You do not have to face it without support. CFS runs an Investigation and Resolution Support Team that connects you with a trained support person in your area who can accompany you through the process, answer questions, and offer personal support. This is available to all caregivers on Vancouver Island, whether or not you are a CFS member. You can reach the Investigation and Resolution Support Team Leader directly at 1-888-922-8437.
You can also be assisted in connecting with the BCFFPA, the FAFP, or your regional foster parent support agency for additional guidance, and MCFD has a responsibility to help you make those connections. For confidential consultation, the Foster Parent Support Line is available at 1-888-495-9122 (Monday to Friday 4:00 p.m. to 12:45 a.m.; weekends and statutory holidays 8:00 a.m. to 12:45 a.m.).
Source: Foster Family Handbook
Call the Investigation and Resolution Support Team Leader at 1-888-922-8437. You’ll be assigned a support person in your area who will guide you through the process, answer your questions, and provide support throughout. This service — part of CFS’s Investigation and Resolution Support Programme — is available whether or not you’re a CFS member.
You also have the right to access support of your choosing. BCFPA can provide advocacy help (you don’t need to be a member), and your CFS Area Coordinator is available during business hours for consultation or referral.
Sources: MCFD Foster Family Handbook; CFS Foster Caregiver Orientation Guide