News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – The Department of Social Development is calling upon interested individuals and families to respond to its recruitment process to establish eight new professional care homes for children with complex needs.

This marks the second phase of an initiative launched last year by the department which resulted in the creation of eight professional care homes which are in various stages of implementation (training, assessment and transition planning). These homes will provide full-time care to children who are under the care of the department and who have behavioural, mental health or complex special needs.

“These homes have been developed to fill the gap in the continuum of care for children under the department’s care,” said Social Development Minister Bruce Fitch. “The department is strongly committed to fulfilling its important mandate to provide the best services possible for children under its care. The expansion of the network of professional care homes for children with complex needs represents an important tool to fulfil this critical mandate.”

This need for professional care homes was identified by the departments of Social Development and Health following the 2019 Auditor General report on group homes and specialized placements.

“We are pleased to provide the clinical support required to ensure the best services possible for children with complex needs,” said Health Minister Dorothy Shephard. “This addition to the continuum of care will ensure that children and young people receive the right services at the right intensity. These homes are complementing our network of placements for children under the care of the province, including foster homes and kinship, to provide the best family environment.”

Those interested in operating a professional care home for children with complex needs will undergo a comprehensive assessment process based on their qualifications, skills and their parenting ability to meet the needs of these children.

Candidates will be required to have experience working with children and young people with behavioural, mental health or complex special needs. They will need to demonstrate knowledge, education and skills in supporting children and young people with a range of needs. Individuals will have to complete PRIDE Pre-Service training (Parent Resources for Information, Development and Education), Trauma Informed training, Cultural Awareness and other relevant training. Additionally, a SAFE evaluation and Home Study will be completed. All training will be provided. When a child is placed in the home, additional training will be provided to meet the needs of that particular child.

Professional care home care providers will receive:

• monthly compensation;

• child-in-care rates and benefits to cover the cost specific to the child’s care plan;

• clinical support;

• paid respite/vacation;

• crisis/emergency support;

• extensive initial training and ongoing professional development opportunities; and

• specialized services, clinical supervision and extensive support.

More information on the recruitment process to establish eight new professional care homes for children with complex needs is available online.