1.2.4 Homemaker and Parent Aide Services

This section focuses on the provision of homemaker and parent aide services under section 13 of The Child and Family Services Act (the Act).

• Legislation

  Homemaker and Parent Aide Services

  Section 13 of the Act provides for the placement of a homemaker or parent aide with a family with the consent or in the absence of a parent or guardian. Subsection 13(2) allows for placing a homemaker in the absence of a parent or guardian for up to seven days. Subsection 13(3) lists the rights and duties of a homemaker. Subsection 13(4) pertains to parent aide services.

  Family Support Service Agreements

  Subsection 13(5) provides for an agency to enter into an agreement with a parent or guardian for the placement of a homemaker or parent aide and to renew the agreement for one or more periods not to exceed six months.

  Subsection 15(1) states an agreement entered into by a minor is valid. Subsection 15(2) requires a person who enters into such an agreement with an agency to provide financial information prescribed by regulation

  Prescribed Forms

  The Family Support Service Agreement and Renewal of Family Support Service Agreement are no longer prescribed forms. If agencies want to use them, they are available in CFSIS Forms, Case Management/VFS EPS/Suggested.

  Form CFS-10 – Declaration of Family Income is a prescribed form and is available in CFSIS Forms, Case Management/Admin. Section 15 of the Act contains general provisions for payment of maintenance by parents or guardians to an agency for children relating to agreements entered into under sections 12 and 13.

   

  Section 33 of the Child and Family Services Authorities Regulation transfers the power of the director under subsection 15(4) of the Act to an agency’s mandating authority. That authority may require an agency to submit all or any agreements for day care or homemaker services under sections 12 and 13 of the Act for approval.

• Policy

  Use of Homemakers and Parent Aides

  Use of family support services under section 13 of the Act is consistent with an agency’s duty under section 7 to provide counselling, guidance and other services to families for the prevention of circumstances requiring the placement of children in protective care or in treatment programs and for the protection of children.

  Family support services may be provided in any one or combination of circumstances when there are children unable to adequately care for themselves. The following examples could apply to single and two parent families:

  • A parent or guardian is absent due to physical or mental illness, addiction, confinement, desertion or separation, and other adults in the home are temporarily unable to care for a child.
  • A parent or guardian is not able to assume full parental responsibilities due to physical or mental illness, addiction, confinement, emotional immaturity or inadequate parenting skills.
  • The provision of a homemaker or parent aide will provide support services to maintain child within the family home.
  • One or more children in the home have special needs that cannot be met without in-home supports.

• Standards

  1. Placement of Homemaker or Parent Aide – Section 13 of the Act provides for the placement of a homemaker or parent aide with a family with the consent or in the absence of a parent or guardian. Subsection 13(2) allows for placing a homemaker in the absence of a parent or guardian for up to seven days.
  2. Decision to Enter into an Agreement – If an agency decides to enter into a agreement to provide family support services, the following steps must be followed:
  • An intake disposition is made to open a case for ongoing services and, when applicable, transfer the case to a case manager or another agency.
  • The case manager completes an assessment of the family and child.
  • The case manager’s supervisor reviews and approves the care plan.
  • A decision is made regarding parental contributions in accordance with the requirements in Section 15 of the Act and Section 7 of the CFS Regulations.
  3. Signing of Forms – If an agency chooses to enter into a written agreement to provide family support services, the written agreement and Declaration of Family Income (CFS-10) are completed and signed by a parent or guardian prior to or on the date a homemaker or parent aid is placed in the home. When a homemaker was placed in the home in the absence of a parent or guardian under clause 13(1)(b) of the Act, the forms are completed and signed on the date the parent or guardian returns to the home and there is a decision to continue providing family support services.
  4. Completion of Renewal Forms - If an agency has entered into a written agreement to renew family support services, and, when applicable, the Declaration of Family Income (CFS-10), the documents are completed and signed by the parent or guardian prior to the expiration of the initial agreement or previous renewal agreement.
  5. Filing Forms – Original copies of the agreement for family support services (if used) and Declaration of Family Income (CFS-10) are stored on the family protection (Prt) or voluntary family service (VFS) file.).

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