Tikinagan shares the sacred responsibility held by parents, extended family and community members to care for children. It is important for each child in care to be part of a network of caring people. Every person who has an interest in the care of a child is asked to become a member of the Wee-chee-way-win Circle for the child. The Child Care Worker co-ordinates the efforts of these people to work in a child's best interests. The Wee-chee-way-win Circle (also known as a Family Services Committee) may make important recommendations concerning the plan for a child.
The Wee-chee-way-win Circle
The Wee-chee-way-win Circle may include the child's parents and siblings, extended family members, the First Nation Chief and Council, Elders, the school principal and teachers, workers from other community resources, and other caregivers, Tikinagan workers and supervisors.
When a child is in care, Foster Parents also function as part of the Circle, working together with Tikinagan staff and others in the Circle. Although each has a different role in the Circle, the success of a child's emotional security depends on teamwork. By working together in mutual cooperation and respect, a circle of healing will surround the child.
Residential Care Worker
The Residential Care Worker's role is to conduct assessments on potential foster homes, place foster children in appropriate foster homes and ensure the foster family receives the necessary support.
Child Care Worker
The Child Care Worker's role is to ensure that the foster child's needs are being met as outlined in a formal Plan of Care specific to the child, and to work cooperatively with the foster parent.
Foster Parent
The Foster Parent's role is to provide a nurturing, stable environment for the foster child while working cooperatively with all the workers and other professionals (teachers, physicians, counsellors, etc.) involved in the foster child's life.
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