A secure and stable home environment for youth who may be dealing with issues such as conflict, street involvement, abuse and addictions is a critical factor in establishing a foundation for them to overcome obstacles and make positive choices in the future.
Transitional housing caregivers play an important role in providing this safe and caring environment for youth. By opening their homes to youth in need, transitional housing caregivers help them achieve a level of stability in their lives and give them the opportunity to start making positive choices to live a healthier, safer and more productive life.
At St. Leonard’s, we recognize that transitional housing caregivers could benefit from support to help them meet the needs of youth in their care. Our transitional housing support services are designed to prepare caregivers for taking youth into their homes and to assist them in dealing with difficult situations.
Support to Transitional Housing Services
ICYS youth workers provide a number of support services to transitional housing caregivers.
Services include:
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Safety planning
Together with the caregiver and the youth, our youth workers help to develop a general safety plan, which considers the youth’s strengths and needs and anticipates potential challenges. The plan includes topics such as how to defuse a situation, and who to call for support when needed. -
Education and supervision
Our youth workers hold regular meetings with caregivers in the home to provide information and support through an approach that builds on the caregiver’s strengths. We cover such issues as debriefing techniques for violent behaviour, suicide awareness and alternative conflict resolution strategies. -
24-hour emergency response
From time to time crisis response may be required and members of our youth worker team are available to assess the situation and recommend appropriate interventions. Follow-up assistance is also provided, including additional education and support services, when needed. -
Transportation
We offer support by providing transportation to programs, medical appointments, court, or other locations.
Links to Youth Services and Other Support Services
Our youth workers help connect caregivers to professional and support services such as mental health therapists, probation officers, drug and alcohol workers, social workers, psychiatrists, doctors and school teachers, counselors and administrators. We also provide information about how to access other community and youth resources, like libraries, recreation facilities and youth employment centres.
Interested in Learning More?
Transitional housing support services are open to caregivers in Burnaby who are contracted by the Ministry of Children and Family Development and who are providing transitional housing for youth involved in ICYS. To find out more about our services, please contact us.