Peer Mentoring Program
Important information regarding mentoring:
If you are an experienced Foster Parent and wish to contribute to the quality of fostering practice, then this program may be for you.
What is a Mentor?
A mentor is an experienced foster parent who has completed basic mentoring training. Mentors are selected with the following qualities in mind:
- A positive attitude towards the Ministry and the caregiving community
- A strong knowledge base
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, especially listening skills
- Empathy – a sense of caring and support
- Are flexible and open
- Sees solutions and opportunities
- Patient
- Willing to share their knowledge, skills and experience.
10 Reasons Why a Mentor is an Invaluable Resource
- Mentors know how to advance their fostering career.
- Mentors know how to get the resources they need to care for the child(ren) in their home.
- Having a Mentor is the best free service you can get.
- A mentor can help you make an informed decision.
- A mentor understands your struggles.
- A mentor will help you feel less isolated and alone.
- A mentor shares your values around community.
- Mentors know how to be an integral part of the professional caregiving team.
- Mentors understand foster parent standards and resource policies.
- Mentors know how to be an effective advocate for the children in their care.
Why would a foster parent want to become a Mentor?
Not everyone will want to be mentor, but mentoring provides an opportunity to contribute to the quality of fostering practice by helping new foster parents improve their skills and knowledge and helping foster parents remain in fostering.
It is also an opportunity to help current foster parents in their own growth and development. Some of the other benefits might be developing their own caregiving skills and being recognized as a role model.
Ministry staff by providing support, clarifying issues, and ensuring that you get the information you need within the time frames.
Recognized as credible liaisons between foster parents and social workers.
Sworn to protect your privacy.
How does one become a Mentor?
Mentors will be experienced foster parents with at least 3 years of experience.
They hold a current MCFD contract, have good listening skills, and have either completed the BC Foster Parent Education Program Certification or are in the process of achieving certification.
In order to become a mentor the foster parent must make a commitment, attend an orientation session and sign a confidentiality agreement.