Caregiver Support and Engagement Services

The purpose of Caregiver Support and Engagement service is to increase the local capacity to care for foster children and youth with complex care needs and all need levels in home-based settings, lessen placement disruption and increase the knowledge base and support of caregivers. Recipients of service are caregivers for youth (birth through age 21) who have an open Juvenile Dependency case due to substantiated allegations of abuse, such as physical abuse, sexual abuse, and general neglect. All dependent youth with an opened court case placed in out-of-home care and all foster care providers, including those in the process of becoming licensed, will be eligible for services. The g oal is to p rovide on-going and immediate support for caregivers and their families so that caregivers can focus on stabilizing and maintaining youth in their care with the provision of supportive services, unless transitioning to a lower level of care. Caregivers will be coached to grow in caregiver skills, putting these new skills in practice and successfully applying skills to address complex needs of youth . S ervices will be culturally responsive , individualized, family-centered, strength-based, and needs-driven. Caregivers will be coached to build on the use of naturally occurring community and family supports and resources by increasing the numbers of individuals and entities in their support system . S ervices will utilize trauma-informed approach , intervention, and engagement strategies . Caregiver Support and Engagement Services includes phone support twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days a week, childcare while the caregiver attends/participates in trainings, and reimbursements for mileage and property damage.