ohpikihakan

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

Ohpik?hakan 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.

• youth 13 to 17 years
• who are in the care of Children's Services

• 21 years and older
• residents of Alberta
• Canadian citizens, landed immigrants, or have Permanent Residency Status for at least 3 years; newcomers must have resided in Canada for at least 5 years
• who have the physical ability and mental wellness to care for youth ages 13 to 17
• have no significant life changes or events in the last 12 months that would impact their ability to provide care
• can provide 3 positive references
• engage with a youth’s family, culture, and community
• complete a SAFE Home Study
• and become licensed as a foster home

• visit website to sign up

• ramps
• automatic doors
• elevator (must take the ramp to the bottom floor to access the elevator)

• Indigenous Peoples - Parenting and Family Support
• Youth - Youth Housing / Group Homes

Closed statutory holidays.