ohpikîhakan is a program designed to meet the holistic needs such as spirituality, family, community, and cultural connection of youth ages 13 - 17 in the care of Children’s Services. This program focuses on supporting reconnection and reunification for the youth we are working with.
This program is part of a province-wide initiative called “Therapeutic Foster Care.” This program provides a different placement opportunity compared to traditional foster care in Alberta. The program is designed for youth with complex needs with an emphasis on therapeutic support and a reduction in placement moves.
ohpikîhakan is trauma-informed and embedded with culturally responsive services and Indigenous worldviews. ohpikîhakan translates into “a child that is being raised” in the Cree language. This name was gifted to us by Elder Dr. Leona Makokis to emphasize the importance of the relationship and connection to a child’s culture and family.
How are youth supported?
The focus of ohpikîhakan is to ensure youth have loving and supportive homes with regular contact with their family, culture, and community. As well as access and exposure to cultural practices within their home.
Youth can be connected with a youth mentor dedicated to their holistic health and wellbeing.
How are caregivers supported?
ohpikîhakan emphasizes the support for caregivers as there is little separation between the caregivers’ “professional” role and personal life as youth are living in the caregivers’ homes.
Caregivers are trained to be the medicine for the youth in their home. They are ambassadors, allies, and advocates for youth wellness and healing. Caregivers will have peer support and professional training, and each home will be connected to a therapeutic supervisor to support the day-to-day safety and wellness for the youth.
Caregivers are provided financial compensation for their work supporting youth.
Become a therapeutic caregiver
Interested caregivers must:
Be at least 21 years old
Be a resident of Alberta
Be a Canadian citizen, Landed Immigrant or Permanent Residency Status (3 years). Newcomers must have resided in Canada for at least 5 years
Have the physical ability and mental wellness to care for youth ages 13 - 17
Have no significant life changes or events in the last 12 months that would impact their ability to provide care
Provide 3 positive references
Engage with a youth’s family, culture, and community
Complete a SAFE Home Study and other foster parent training
Become licensed as a foster home/foster parent
We have the maximum number of caregivers needed for the ohpikîhakan program. However, we would love to hear from you if you're interested in becoming a therapeutic caregiver. Please fill out this form if you have questions or you'd like to be put on our waitlist:
The Family Centre acknowledges that we are on Treaty 6 territory, a traditional meeting ground, gathering place, and traveling route for the Cree, Saulteaux, Blackfoot, Métis, Dene, and Nakota Sioux. We acknowledge all the many First Nations, Métis, and Inuit whose footsteps have marked these lands for centuries.
