Cultural Connections Worker

Rachel Cain
Main Office
250-914-2212
cell: 250-203-9971

The purpose of the Cultural Connections worker will be to create Cultural Plans for children in care and to assist the Ministry worker to develop and implement appropriate re-unification plans and identify children for whom a return to family or community may be appropriate. This position is based out of Campbell River and services our catchment area which includes Gold River/Tahsis, Sayward and Quadra/Cortez Island.

Program Goals:

• To ensure Indigenous children and youth have a sense of belonging and connected-ness to their birth and extended family, community, culture and heritage.
• To develop a cultural plan for each child and youth referred to this program.
• To assist Indigenous communities to reclaim their children and youth who are in the care of, or are at risk of being in care of the Ministry.

The Cultural Connections worker will ensure that Indigenous families:

• Receive service that is culturally appropriate and sensitive.
• Have their voices heard in planning for a child’s care.
• Have access to community resources and services.
• Can participate in developing culturally specific plans for children in care.

Role of the Cultural Connections worker:

• To work towards reunification and/or reintegration of a child or youth to family and community and to assist with the facilitation and transition of this connection.
• To identify potential extended family contacts.
• To assist families to access supports and resources and to participate in planning for a child’s return.
• To provide families with support and information.
• To liaise between community, families and external professionals.