Practices and Procedures

 

NEW: Life Books and Memory Boxes

 

Many of us take great pleasure and enjoyment opening up an old photo album from years past or looking at memorabilia that we have collected from childhood. For many of our children in care, the need is as great, if not greater. Regardless of the length of their stay with us, it is important that we make every effort to save and preserve a record of this time. The reason we do so is because it can help the children understand where they have been, where they are and that others have cared for them.  Read more...

 

 

H1N1 immunizations and flu shots

Regarding the H1N1 immunizations and flu shots for foster children, please contact the social worker who is responsible for your child in care to discuss any immunizations or vaccinations BEFORE getting any shots.  It is very important to ensure that the guardian/social worker of the child is involved in a conversation about making these medical decisions and the child's guardian/social worker may want to the consent for the shots.

 

RE: H1N1 Influenza Virus

 

As British Columbia prepares for the fall influenza season, with both seasonal flu and the potential for a resurgence of the H1N1 flu virus, we encourage all staff, contractors and clients to take precautionary measures to help prevent the spread of the influenza virus.

 

What is the H1N1 influenza virus?

 

The H1N1 flu virus is a type of influenza that causes respiratory disease that is spread from person to person usually through respiratory droplets from someone who is coughing or sneezing. The symptoms of the H1N1 flu virus are similar to the symptoms of normal human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people with H1N1 have also reported runny nose, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

 

What can you do to stop the spread of influenza?

 

There are simple actions that can help prevent the spread of the viruses that cause respiratory illnesses like H1N1. Staff, clients and children in a variety of settings can facilitate the transmission of influenza and we are asking for your cooperation to promote the following:

 

  • Wash your hands regularly, for at least 20 seconds, with soap and hot water, especially after you cough or sneeze, and encourage others to do the same;
  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. If a tissue is not available, cough/sneeze into your arm or elbow;
  • Practice other good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage stress, drink plenty of fluids, eat nutritious foods and avoid smoking;
  • Germs on hard surfaces, such as counters, doorknobs and toys, can be picked up on your hands and spread to your respiratory system. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth as germs can easily spread that way;
  • Try to maintain a distance of 2 metres (6 feet) from people who are exhibiting flu-like symptoms;
  • Teach others who are in your home or in your care to follow the above prevention strategies;
  • Adults or children who are displaying flu-like symptoms should be encouraged to stay home and limit contact with others in order to break the chain of infection. This may include making alternate arrangements for children in your care. Symptoms generally last for 7 days. People are encouraged to stay home until at least 24 hours after they are free of fever (or signs of a fever) without the use of fever-reducing medications;
  • Disinfect hard surfaces, toys and equipment regularly with alcohol based or anti-microbial/vial wipes and the wipes should be immediately disposed of;
  • If you are concerned about children in care who are medically compromised and are experiencing flu-like symptoms, have them see their doctor as soon as possible;
  • If you are concerned about a child in your care, or are yourself experiencing any symptoms of H1N1 virus, call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1. A nurse is available 24 hours a day/seven days a week to answer questions and provide health advice. You can also visit www.healthlinkbc.ca.

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    Information Links

     

    For the latest facts, up to date information and additional links on the H1N1 flu virus, visit www.gov.bc.ca/h1n1.

     

    Additional related information is available on the Public Health Agency of Canada website at http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/alert-alerte/h1n1/index-eng.php.

     

    Thank you for your attention to this important emerging issue.

     

     

    FACEBOOK AND FOSTERING: IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT SOCIAL NETWORK SITES

     

    Social networks sites are neither private nor secure. Some examples of these sites are: Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter. Postings on these sites can be altered, printed and redistributed by anyone. Information posted on social networks and blogs can be accessed by anyone indefinitely.

     

    Foster parents need to ensure they do not post photos, captions, personal information such as names & birthdates, or information about other household members of Children In Care on the foster parents own blogs or networking pages.

     

    While Children in Care may be visiting social networking sites for their personal use, foster parents need to ensure that the Child is following the rules around the age limits for children and youth starting up their own pages.

     

     

     

    RELIEF NEWS
     

    It has been decided that Nanaimo should have a Relief Care Listing posted in The Island Connections.  This is a call to all foster parents who are willing and able to be on the relief list to contact their Resource Worker.

     

    And while we're on that topic, just a reminder that when relief is being arranged, it is imperative that you contact your Resource Worker as well as the child's Social Worker to inform them of the plans.

     

    Documentation You Should Receive When a Child is Placed in Your Home
     

    • Health Care Passport
    • Care Card
    • Medical Consent Form
    • Initial Medical Form to be completed by the child's doctor

     

    Consent Forms
     

    The child's social worker must sign consent forms for the child. These forms include (but are not restricted to):

     

    • School consents
    • Medical consents (including immunization consents)
    • Dental consents
    • Drivers license
    • Recreational activities
    • Enrolment in community groups (ie Brownies, Cubs, etc.)

     

    Medical and Dental Costs
     

    The child's Care Card covers standard dental and medical costs including procedures and prescriptions. However, foster parents may have situations where the Care Card does not cover certain procedures and/or prescriptions. In these situations, it is imperative to receive:

     

    • prior approval from the child's social worker; and,
    • the physician's prescription for medication

     

    Reimbursement is made by the child's social worker.

     

    Orthodontic Work: No orthodontic work can be completed without prior ministry approval. If orthodontic work is recommended, foster parents must speak with the child's social worker.

     

    Eye Glasses: A pre-authorization number is required from the Medical Benefits Program prior to purchasing eye glasses for CIC's. Reimbursement after the fact is not an option Foster parents can call for this authorization toll free at 1‑877‑210‑3332. The Medical Benefits Program does not cover the optical exams. They only cover eyeglasses, up to an annual limit of $150.00. The child's medical coverage will fund the eye exam.

     

    Travel and Vacations
     

    Both the child's worker and your resource social worker must be informed about vacation plans that include either out of province or out of country travel. This must be done enough in advance to obtain any necessary authority, including the permission of the child's parents and the proper level of ministry authority, along with a Border Crossing Permission letter.

     

    The Family Care Payment includes the child's share of family vacation costs.

     

    Child Care Subsidy Application Process
     

    Child Care Subsidy program administrators are receiving a number of referral forms (HR2044) for subsidies without also receiving the application package from the foster family. As the application cannot be processed until all documents are received, this has often resulted in payment delays and difficulties for families.

     

    To ensure timely child care subsidy payments to families, MCFD staff are requested to: advise the foster family, to obtain, complete and submit the Application for Child Care Subsidy package available from MHR offices, Government Agent offices and Child Care Subsidy Service Centres.

     

    Note: Details about the Child Care subsidy application process are outlined on the following internet site: http://www.mhr.gov.bc.ca/ccs.htm

     

    Daycare Overage

     

    When daycare is part of a child's Plan of Care, the child's social worker requests the daycare subsidy to cover the maximum allowable cost of the program.

    The "overage" (the difference between the maximum allowable subsidy and the per diem fee charged by the daycare) is billed separately to the foster parent.

     

    To process the daycare overage, the foster parent receives an overage invoice from the dayare provider and delivers it to our office where it will be proessed for payment.