Support Families and Support Persons
Support families and support persons are dedicated volunteers who are supported by professionals from the Wellbeing Services County.
Our structured, guided, and goal-oriented volunteer activities aim to enhance the well-being of children and young people, supporting their growth and development.
Support Families
By becoming a support family, you can help entire families navigate challenging circumstances. Families may seek assistance due to parental stress, lack of support networks, or other difficulties.
As a support family, you’ll welcome a child into your home; typically for one weekend per month. During these weekends, you’ll engage in basic, everyday activities. These may include spending time outdoors, playing games, cooking and baking together. The purpose of this is to give the child caring and safe relationships and to help them develop self-esteem and confidence.
We welcome individuals, couples, childless families, and families with children who have the time and willingness to support another child and their family. Because children’s needs and backgrounds vary, we also seek volunteers from diverse backgrounds. No special skills are required to become a regular support family.
All support families receive training and are assigned a designated support worker from the Wellbeing Services County. In addition offering additional training, peer support activities, and recreational opportunities. Volunteers are also compensated to their time and travel expenses.
Our support family services are intended for children and families in need of special support (as defined by the Social Welfare Act) or those who are clients of Child Welfare Services.
Professional support families
We’re also looking for professional support families. This role requires suitable education in social welfare, healthcare, or education, as well as experience working with children who have special needs. Professional support families help children who need extra assistance in their daily lives.
Support persons
Support persons are safe adults who spend time with a child, typically 1–4 times a month for about 2–3 hours per visit. During these visits, you’ll spend time doing ordinary activities, such as playing and spending time outdoors.
The purpose is to offer the child undivided attention from a safe and caring adult, helping to strengthen their self-esteem and overall well-being.
Potential Barriers to Participation:
- Current, recurring, or long-term involvement with child welfare services in your family
- Current, recurring, or long-term involvement with family social services in your family.
- Substance abuse issues within the family
- Serious physical or mental illness of a family member
- Acute family crises or difficult life situations (e.g., ongoing divorce proceedings, custody disputes)
- Criminal records, especially offenses involving children
- If you are looking to become a support family or person, a background check will be requested by your wellbeing services county. This check will ensure that there are no obstacles to your participation. This check is conducted with your consent.
- In support family activities age of under 20 or over 75 years
- In support person activities age of under 18 or over 75 years