RESPITE (CASUAL CARE)
Bridgeway believes that Foster Parents need to replenish and restore their energy.
We have a network of Casual Care Volunteers who are committed to supporting our Foster Families. Having consistent, caring, and competent respite homes is a significant benefit for Foster Children, Youth, and Young Adults. This increases the success of every placement.
Effective respite care is grounded in communication and collaboration between the Foster Parents and Casual Care Volunteers. They work closely together in planning the care and supervision required for each individual's needs, including sharing medical information, safety plans, daily routines, strengths, and challenges.
Our Casual Care Volunteers are an invaluable resource for our Bridgeway community and become an extended family for our Foster Children, Youth, and Young Adults.
We value the importance of establishing continuity of care for Foster Children and Youth.
FLEXIBILITY & CONVENIENCE
Foster Parents have the autonomy to schedule and plan their use of respite care that best meet the needs of their family, i.e. overnight, full-day, or half-day respite options in the comfort of their own home or in a respite home.
COLLABORATIVE PLANNING
Foster Parents share up-to-date information with their Casual Care Volunteers related to the child's needs, behaviours, and routines. After an overnight respite stay, the Casual Care Volunteer provides a written summary.
TRANSPORTATION SUPPORT
Bridgeway reimburses the mileage for drives to/from the respite home. When schedules conflict or there's an emergency, Foster Parents are able to request a drive through our Transportation Service.
Casual Care Volunteers become an extended family for our children, youth, and young adults.
ALL CASUAL CARE VOLUNTEERS ARE:
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SCREENED AND ACCEPTED BY BRIDGEWAY
(INCLUDING BROAD RECORD CHECK, CHILD WELFARE RECORD CHECK, & HOME SAFETY CHECK)
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INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN ONGOING TRAININGS
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COMMITTED TO A SMOKE-FREE ENVIRONMENT
(BRIDGEWAY'S ZERO-TOLERANCE POLICY)
