Alternative Pathways to Care

Customary Care  

Customary Care is the care and supervision of a child by a person who is a relative or nonrelative that has a close relationship with the child and birth family. Customary Care Agreements (CCA) recognize that Indigenous children and youth thrive when family connections and cultural traditions are preserved and protected. 

Kinship Care 

Kinship Care is an alternative care placement in which an identified relative, community member or person known to a child is willing to provide care to a child or youth under standards set out by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS).  

Relief Emergency  

Relief for alternative care parents by providing a part-time or short-term care, in a family setting.  

Designated Place of Safety 

Children are placed in the home prior to approval and are serviced by the Child Welfare Worker until the SAFE Home Assessment is completed.  

Foster/Alternative Care 

When a child cannot remain with their caregivers and Customary Care or Kinship Care is not available, we will look for alternative caregiving. The foster parent will be expected to work closely with caregivers, workers and community members to ensure the child’s needs are met in accordance Nogdawindamins standards and guidelines.  

Permanency Planning/Adoption 

When children are unable to return to their caregivers or be placed in customary care, kin care, or foster care, adoption can be considered as a permanency option. Nogdawindamin Family and Community Services will only consider adoption when all alternative care options have been exhausted. Nogdawindamin will work closely with the First Nation when looking at adoptions.  

Screened Support/Babysitter 

Screened Supports and babysitters are individuals known to the Alternative Care Providers and normally will have developed a relationship with the child placed in the Alternative Care home. They are usually identified as day-time or short-term (no more than two days) support.