Family Finding for children and youth in care is an integral component of child welfare practice in Ontario. Originating in the United States approximately two decades ago, and now embedded in child welfare practices throughout North America, Australia and Western Europe, Family Finding seeks to identify and engage extended family members or other supportive adults who could become permanent connections for children and youth and provide them with a supportive network across their lifespan.
Research has found that lifelong connections to family is the single factor most closely associated with positive outcomes for children. In addition to helping prevent the disruption and loneliness that children and youth experience while transitioning into a foster home or other care options, a meaningful connection to family and significant others also helps these individuals to develop a stronger sense of value and belonging.
In this blog, we discuss the significance of family finding and the role of Family Connection Coordinators at The Children’s Aid Society of the Districts of Sudbury and Manitoulin (CASDSM).
What is Family Finding?
Family finding is a proactive approach that seeks to build or maintain a child’s lifetime family support network for those children and youth who have become disconnected or are at risk of disconnection as a consequence of placement outside their home and community.
The family finding process focuses on addressing the immediate risk of separation, the challenges faced by current caregivers, and facilitating the reintegration of children into a family environment. The primary goal is to maintain or reintegrate children into their family units, thereby mitigating the impact of separation, while ensuring their safety and well-being through established family and community connections. The Family Finding program at CASDSM is premised on the belief that every child has a family, and with effort, they can be found.
The Role of Family Connection Coordinators
Family Connection Coordinators play a crucial role in the family-finding process. Their work includes researching family histories, identifying the social networks of children and youth, and outreach to potential caregivers within the child’s extended family and community, regardless of geographical distances. A common misconception is that family or community must be in the same geographic location, however our searches have no boundaries: we will search the globe for connections and engage with relatives and significant non-relative connections including, for example, godparents, close family friends, and even teachers who are familiar with the child.
The family connection coordinators look not only for immediate placement options but as well, search for connections to individuals who are committed to providing long-term stability, and continuity with culture and community.
The Importance of Early Engagement
Family Connection Coordinators are involved from the beginning of our work with families and remain involved until enduring connections with a child’s immediate family, extended family, or other significant individuals are achieved. Family finding, while important from the outset, can commence at any point in our work with families. We know however, that best outcomes happen when the family connection coordinators are involved from the front end of the care process.
Our Family Connections Coordinators encourage people to reach out to a Children’s Aid Agency if they know of a family member, family friend, or friend of a friend in care. Often it is through individuals reaching out that we are able to work together to create a web of connections that support children and youth. Sometimes, a single call from a distant relative or family friend can make the difference between a child or youth feeling a sense of belonging rather than a sense of abandonment.
Cultural and Community Connection
The cultural aspect of finding families for children and youth is extremely important. Keeping children within their cultural communities helps maintain continuity in their lives and preserves their cultural identities. This is especially crucial in diverse communities, where maintaining linguistic and cultural ties can provide a sense of belonging and cultural pride, and ultimately lead to positive outcomes for children in care.
Success Stories and Community Impact
The Family Finding program represents an important shift in how CASDSM supports children and youth who have been in long-term care. With safety at the forefront and a family-driven process, families are empowered to create realistic and sustainable plans to meet the long-term needs of children and youth. The outcomes our family finding program is achieving include: increased reunification rates, improved well-being and placement stability, transition out of the child welfare system, a decrease in re-entry rates, and a more robust sense of belonging for children. In addition, many of the youth we serve have been reconnected with extended family members or significant others who are championing their success and supporting them as they transition to independence and adulthood.
In summary, by focusing on strengthening family connections and engaging community support systems, we are minimizing the disruption that children and youth often face during the in-care process. This approach not only supports the well-being of children but also empowers families and communities to come together to support each other.
As we evolve our understanding and implementation of family finding, it is crucial that we continue to dialogue, share successes, and strive for continuous improvement in our care systems.
Subscribe to our newsletter for regular updates!
