Offers a program designed to meet the holistic needs such as housing, family connection, spirituality, and cultural connection of youth in the care of Children’s Services.
Service provides:
- a program designed to meet the holistic needs such as housing, family connection, spirituality, and cultural connection of youth ages 13 to 17 in the care of Children’s Services
- the opportunity to become a therapeutic caregiver who provides a safe and supportive home for youth
Includes:
- a province-wide initiative called Therapeutic Foster Care that is trauma-informed and embedded with culturally responsive services and Indigenous worldviews
- ensuring youth have supportive homes and regular contact with their family, culture, and community
- connecting with a youth mentor dedicated to their holistic health and wellbeing
- supports for caregivers - training to be the medicine for youth in their home; become ambassadors, allies, and advocates for youth wellness and healing; have peer support and professional training; each home will be connected to a therapeutic supervisor to support the day-to-day safety and wellness for youth
Ohpikîhakan translates into "a child that is being raised" in the Cree language. This name was gifted by Elder Dr. Leona Makosis to emphasize the importance of the relationship and connection to a child’s culture and family.