Become a Foster Caregiver for Youth in the Lower Mainland and Change Someone’s Life: A Message From Program Director Tina Tomyk
If you live in the Lower Mainland and are looking to make a meaningful difference in someone’s life, becoming a foster caregiver for youth in need is one of the best ways to have a positive impact. At PLEA Community Services, we are always looking for kind people with extra space, love, and time to provide a family environment for a young person who needs one. You will not only be making a huge positive contribution but will also be well compensated for it – it’s a win-win!
My name is Tina Tomyk and I’m one of four Program Directors at PLEA Community Services. This community agency has been operating across the Lower Mainland for more than 40 years. One of the main responsibilities of my role is to find individuals, couples, and families who can provide a safe, nurturing home to the young people we serve.
Why is There a Need for Youth Caregivers?
Over the last year or so we have seen a growing number of youth referred to our organization who need a safe, nurturing place to live for the long-term. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic posed some challenges that significantly slowed the recruitment of foster caregivers and we are still looking for qualified people to take on this role. We want to keep up with the demand for our services and continue to provide as much support to as many kids as we can!
Who are the Youth in Need of Foster Caregivers?
Perhaps you’re wondering who these young people are and why they need the support of a community agency such as PLEA. They are teens who, for a variety of reasons, are unable to live with their own families. They have often experienced trauma and other challenges, including multiple foster care placements, which is why it’s so important that those who provide a home to them are compassionate and patient to help them overcome challenges and thrive. And that’s why I’m so pleased you are reading this today, as you might well be the type of person we are looking for.
What Qualities are Needed to be a PLEA Foster Caregiver?
These kids really need someone who’ll meet them where they are at, who can encourage them to develop their strengths, and who can guide them to make healthy choices. Those who take on this role don’t necessarily have an extensive history of working with kids. What’s more important is that they have an enthusiasm to work with young people, and a true desire to make a difference in their lives.
In addition to a willingness to be a helpful adult in the lives of these youth, there are some practical considerations. You need to be at least 21 years of age, be legally entitled to work in Canada, be able to provide each youth with their own bedroom of a particular size, and demonstrate that you can provide a safe, stable living environment.
It is worth noting here though, that because our caregivers are in a significant position of trust, our assessment process is comprehensive and can take a few months to complete. But on the flip side, the rewards of this role are huge; knowing that everything you do is helping someone else. I cannot think of many other roles where you get to make such a difference in the life of one person every single day.
Why Become a Foster Caregiver With PLEA?
PLEA is an accredited, charitable community services organization that has operated throughout BC for more than 40 years. It delivers community-based services and specialized supported homes to children, youth, adults, and families facing significant challenges in their lives. What started as an entrepreneurial passion to change the path of youth who were already interacting with the justice system, has become a full spectrum of social services designed to support participants to avoid, overcome and recover from the most complex of circumstances.
PLEA’s work now spans child welfare, addictions, health, justice, and community living systems. The team includes more than 270 employees, 160 family and foster caregivers, 180 respite workers and 160 volunteers. The number of lives we directly touch every year is counted in the tens of thousands. Our vision is that everyone has an opportunity to have a good life and that everyone counts.
What Kind of Support Will You Get as a Foster Caregiver for Youth?
In return for taking on the important role of family foster caregiver, PLEA provides an extensive orientation and training process. This includes first aid, non-violent crisis intervention, suicide ideation and cultural awareness training, to name just a few.
Once you have a young person living with you, you’ll receive regular support from one of our service coordinators, and a member of our team will be available around the clock if you need them; 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. You’ll have the opportunity to regularly connect with other foster caregivers doing the same role, so you are never alone in this challenging yet rewarding experience.
Every youth is assigned a youth worker who spends time with them regularly each week, engaging them in activities that have the potential to uncover hidden talents and abilities and reinforce their strengths. Many of our kids also access PLEA’s in-house counselling services and are supported to attend school or engage in work placements.
And finally, the youth caregiving role is well compensated. Remuneration for being a foster caregiver ranges from $4,800 and $10,000 per month to ensure you are able to provide a nurturing environment without having to worry about the extra living costs of providing care.
How to Become a Foster Caregiver for Youth
If after reading all this, you’d consider opening your home and your heart to one of the youth we serve, we would like to hear from you. One phone call could lead to an incredibly rewarding experience for you and make a real difference in the life of a young person. The first step is simple: Call Shula at 236-333-2682 or visit www.giveakidahome.ca.
When you contact us, you will be asked several questions to see if you meet the minimum requirements of the role. If you do, you’ll then be asked to attend an information session where we’ll provide more details and will answer any additional questions you may have. From that point on, a member of our assessment team will be in touch to guide you through the next steps.
If you feel inspired by what you have read today and think you could provide that much-needed family to a youth in need, please get in touch.
