The enhancement of the quality of the foster care system has been one of the primary objectives of the New Brunswick Foster Families Association (N.B.F.F.A.) since its inception over 25 years ago. As the collective voice for foster families in New Brunswick, the N.B.F.F.A. has heard the need for improved assistance and support services for many of the issues foster families face today.
How Does F.A.S.T. Work?
From time to time, foster families may find themselves ill equipped to deal with situations which may occur and require assistance and support from another foster family with more knowledge and experience in dealing with these situations.
In response to the needs identified by the foster families along with the recommendations of the Redesign of Foster Home Services, the New Brunswick Foster Families Association has developed Foster Assistance and Support Teams (F.A.S.T.).
F.A.S.T. is as a structured response to provide appropriate support and/or assistance services. These teams provide a supportive network to all foster families in the province and hopefully prevent foster families from prematurely closing their doors because they are unable to navigate through the child welfare system.
Purpose
Foster Assistance and Support Teams have been developed to provide confidential assistance and/or support to foster families by way of education and/or team member intervention in some of the following areas:
Communications
Some foster families may not possess the necessary skills to articulate their concerns in an effective manner.
Provision of Services
Situations arise that require negotiation on both the foster child’s and foster family’s behalf.
Allegation of Abuse/Neglect
Foster families may at some time face the prospect of being investigated for allegations of abuse and/or neglect, and may require support during this experience.
Rights and Responsibilities
The rights and responsibilities of foster families, foster children and Department personnel are not always clearly understood.
Appropriate Utilizations
Families who receive inappropriate placements or who exceed the number of children for whom they are approved often become stressed.
Benefits of F.A.S.T.
As a result of F.A.S.T. intervention, foster families involved will develop an increased awareness and understanding of their rights and responsibilities as well as Departmental protocol and procedures. This will provide a greater sense of security for Foster Families within the foster care system. Through F.A.S.T. interventions, the working relationship between foster families and Department personnel continually improves.
