WHEN

When a child is unable to remain with his or her parents due to child protection concerns, the preference is to find an alternative living arrangement within the child's own extended family or community.

WHY

The purpose is to build on existing relationships and to promote stability for the child.

Wherever possible, we will try to minimize the impact of being separated from the parents by allowing the child to stay with a relative or a community member who has a meaningful and beneficial relationship with the child and/or the parents.

HOW

Preferably, the child's custodial parents are involved and cooperate with the CAS in identifying a relative or community member who has the capacity to care for the child. The child may be involved depending on the age and development of the child.

A relative or a community member may also approach the Society with a plan to look after the child.

Failing the cooperation of the custodial parents, the CAS may initiate legal proceedings in  order to search for potential caregivers within the child's extended family or community and assess them.

The identification of a kin option may be the result of a family conference.

WHAT HAPPENS

Once a potential alternative caregiver is identified who seems to meet the best interest of the child, the CAS is required by law to conduct an assessment of the proposed caregiver and his or her home and determine if the child may be placed. There may be conditions attached to the placement.

The child may then be placed based on a voluntary agreement between the CAS, the custodial parents and the kinship caregivers.

Where the parents are not consenting to the placement of their child with a suitable family or community caregiver, and no other suitable option is available,  the CAS may apprehend the child and/or seek a Court order.