Key Assets Newfoundland and Labrador provides residential and family based care to children and youth who are temporary or permanent wards of the provincial child protection authority. Team Parenting is the central framework guiding how we practice collaboratively with all those who have a vested interest in the well-being of children in care. The basic tenant of Team Parenting recognizes that ‘Carers’, Foster Parents, have the potential to be the primary therapeutic influence in the lives of children who have been exposed to various traumatic experiences.
The purpose of this workshop is to share some of what we are learning about how the provision of care can be therapeutic for children. In the words of one community therapist, “I like when children are placed with Key Assets because then I am able to close their files!” Our practice with children focuses on creating predictability for children through the provision of structure and routine, a solid foundation of consistent relationships and a needs based approach to understanding behavior. Key Assets, NL strives to be sensitive the developmental complexities impacting children who have experienced abuse, neglect and multiple placement disruptions.
Our diverse staff of child and youth care workers, educators, social workers and caring families strive to build on the strengths of children and youth. Collaboration with other agencies and authorities engaged in the care and well-being of children is a challenging and rewarding element of practice as the “Team” support system strives to support and strengthen the relationship between care providers and children.
