MCFD has revised its Standards for Foster homes. The Standards have been revised to include updated signing of Permission Forms Policy. Please read this entire notice for the best understanding of the Standard changes.

This is a great opportunity for caregivers to review the Standards for Foster Homes.

NOTE TO ALL FOSTER PARENTS:
Not all Social Workers may be aware of these policy changes. Please communicate with your Resource and Guardianship Social Workers about the changes.

View the updated Standards for Foster Homes on our website at:
http://fpsss.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Standards-for-Foster-Homes-1.pdf

STANDARD D.4 Social and Recreational Activities (Leisure Activities) Children are encouraged to participate in appropriate and available social and recreational activities according to their abilities and interests. These include school-related activities such as field trips, swimming lessons and other outings.

STANDARD UPDATE:
D.4.5 The caregiver signs required permission forms allowing the child or youth to participate in routine school activities, including forms that contain waivers and indemnities, unless the activity is considered to be a high risk activity or potentially inappropriate for the particular child or youth or the caregiver has concerns about signing the form. Examples of high risk activities include, but are not limited to: scuba diving, snowmobiling and mountain climbing.

If the caregiver does not sign a required permission form to permit a child or youth to participate in routine school activities, the caregiver must bring the form to the attention of the child’s or youth’s guardianship worker as soon as possible so that they can determine whether to sign the form prior to the activity taking place.

Note: Guardianship workers are no longer required to send Indemnity forms to the Risk Management Branch of the Ministry of Finance for approval.

Note: Caregivers are insured against liability under the Master Insurance Program, and section 101 of the Child, Family and Community Service Act that states that no person, including foster parents, are personally liable for anything done or omitted in good faith in exercising a duty or function under the Act. Please see Appendix 4: Social and Recreational Activities for Children and Youth in Care: Signing Permission Forms for additional policy details.

Appendix 4 Social and Recreational Activities for Children and Youth in Care:
Signing Permission Forms

Research has shown that hobbies, sports activities and other recreational and social activities are important in promoting skills and interests that enhance the child/youth’s cognitive, social and physical development, and can lead to a sense of accomplishment and competence. Social and recreational activities can include lessons, clubs, camps, hobbies, sports, artistic pursuits and activities organized by a school, club, association, or a geographical, cultural or religious community.

Children and youth in care have the right under Section 70 of the CFCSA to participate in social and recreational activities if available and appropriate and according to their abilities and interests.

Signing Permission Forms for routine school activities:

Note: Guardianship workers are no longer required to send Indemnity forms to the Risk Management Branch of the Ministry of Finance for approval.

1.) Caregivers sign required permission forms allowing the child/youth to participate in routine school activities, including forms that include waivers and indemnities, unless:

• the activity is considered to be a high risk activity (see information below),
• the activity is potentially inappropriate for the particular child/youth, and/or
• the caregiver has concerns about signing a form.

2.) If the caregiver does not sign a required permission form to permit a child to participate in routine school activities, the caregiver must bring the form to the attention of the child’s/youth’s guardianship worker as soon as possible so that they can determine whether to sign the form prior to the activity taking place.

Note: Caregivers are insured against liability under the Master Insurance Program, and section 101 of the Child, Family and Community Service Act that states that no person, including foster parents, are personally liable for anything done or omitted in good faith in exercising a duty or function under the Act.

3.) Parental consent may be needed for a child or youth in care under a Voluntary Care Agreement or a Special Needs Agreement depending upon the terms of the Agreement.

4.) Parental consent respecting a child or youth in care under an Interim or Temporary Custody Order may be needed if the Provincial Court has ordered, as permitted under s. 47(3) of the CFCSA, that the parent retains the ability to make necessary decisions about the child’s education and religious upbringing (This is an unusual circumstance.) STANDARDS FOR FOSTER PARENTS CONTACT: Child Welfare Policy Team 50 DATE: October 1, 2018

5.) Guardianship workers advise caregivers of situations when parental consent is required.

6.) See table below for a summary of who has authority to sign permission forms:

7.) Before signing permission forms, including waivers and indemnities, caregivers and guardianship workers consider:
• The level of risk of the activity;
• Congruency with the child/youth’s care plan;
• The child’s or youth’s views, ability to participate and interest in the activity;
• The quality and nature of the supervision;
• Whether the activity will help support the positive development of the child/youth’s cultural identity;
• How the activity fits in with other scheduled activities and daily routines in the child/youth’s life;
• Whether the activity may interfere with family relationships and contact with family members with the child or youth;
• Transportation requirements to and from the activity and the ability of the caregiver to meet those requirements, if required;
• The cost of the activity and availability of funding;
• Recommendations for safety relating to each sport or activity the child/youth participates in including:

– Canada Safety Council recommendations on a variety of sporting and leisure activities;
– RCMP requirements in Firearm Users Younger than 18; and
– Provincial information on Off-Road Vehicle Safety.

• If the child or youth has the necessary equipment to safeguard against accidents or injuries.
• If the child or youth has the necessary qualifications or licenses required for the activity, and if the child or youth will receive proper instruction if they have not participated in the activity previously.
• If the child or youth knows what to do in an emergency.

Original MCFD Link to Standards for Foster Homes.