BETAMARSH FOSTER CARE PROGRAM

Betamarsh Foster Care Program provides a family setting for boys and girls between the ages of three and eighteen who have experienced physical, sexual, emotional, abuse or childhood trauma, as well as children who have demonstrated behavioral problems in their home, school and community.

The children and youth involved in the Betamarsh Foster Care Program attend community schools and should be capable of integrating with assistance and support into this school program.

Our staff has experience and skills in assisting children and youth to overcome a wide variety of emotional, physical and developmental delays. The foster families are provided with an in-service training program, workshops, support groups, consultations and the intensive involvement of an experienced child and youth worker. A Primary Worker will be involved with the family two or three times a week. Betamarsh Foster Care Program Parents are involved as intricate members of the therapeutic team.

TREATMENT APPROACH:
In addition to a constant milieu, there are clear expectations. Betamarsh Foster Care Program provides specialized services for emotionally disturbed children and youth. A Plan of Care is developed for each child that may include any of the following: - self-awareness - self-esteem - anger management- social skills through specialized treatment programs - the child is encouraged to discover and articulate his or her interests.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
The children are assigned daily routines in order that they become familiar with the way in which people are interdependent. Routine and structure are essential components of daily living which provide safety and stability for the children.

Programming is based on teaching Life Skills in preparation for independence.

SOCIALIZATION:
The children are taught skills for interactivity with peers in the community. In addition they will participate in community activities of their choice such as: Cubs, Girl Guides, community camps and athletic teams.

EDUCATION PROGRAM:
Betamarsh Foster Care Program provides consultation with a Clinical Psychologist to assist in assessments re: learning disabilities, educational programming, and psychological problems.

PLAY AND ART THERAPY:
Play and Art Therapy is provided for each child by a registered therapist on a weekly basis to help the child deal with inner conflict as well as to assist in understanding his or her situation. Play and/or Art Therapy is a powerful tool for helping a child who has few skills for expressing him/herself.

OUR GOALS:
Betamarsh Foster Care Program helps each child develop the skills and self-confidence needed to grow into a secure responsible adult. Care is provided to children in specialized professional homes. These families have made a long-term commitment to support the child in a positive manner, and to help the child develop family and life skills for the future.

FACILITIES:
There are family homes throughout the counties of Huron, Perth and Middlesex that are specialized. Betamarsh Foster Care Program Parents are carefully assessed prior to acceptance by a three-phase assessment program. The intent of such an intensive assessment is to ensure appropriate placements, long-term commitment and success for both the foster parents and the child.

FUNDING:
Funding for the Betamarsh Foster Care Program is on a per diem paid through a contractual arrangement with the referring agency.

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