Frequently Asked Questions
And Our Best AnswersQuestion
How long do the youth stay in the care home?
Answer
It varies by program, an average of six months for the Full Time Attendance Program, up to five months for 180˚ Youth Detox & Supportive Recovery, and twelve to twenty-four months for Youth Justice Homes.
Question
Are the youth ever violent?
Answer
Youth are thoroughly screened by a committee before they are accepted into one of our programs and they are deemed to be safe to be in a care home program. We will not put our caregivers, staff, other youth or the community at risk of violent behaviours. We may at times have some youth who may need to work on grounding strategies more than others. However, if in the event that anyone feels unsafe around the youth we will take all steps necessary to resolve the situation, which may include the removal of such youth from the program.
Question
How much is the pay?
Answer
Caregivers are paid contractors; they receive a monthly retainer, and a per diem (current rate of $160/night).
Caregivers also receive free training, and three paid respite nights per month.
Question
How old are the youth and why are they in your programs?
Answer
The youth in our programs are between the ages of 14 and 18 and they are all here for different reasons. Some youth come for treatment while others have been referred by a probation officer.
Question
What kind of care homes is John Howard looking for?
Answer
We look for both skilled and caring individuals or families who want to make a difference in a youth’s life. Some of the attributes of a successful caregiver are: openness, objectivity, flexibility, teamwork, cultural & socioeconomic sensitivity. As a caregiver you will provide a safe, nurturing family environment with an emphasis on building positive relationships.
Question
I don’t live in a large home; does this disqualify me from taking in a youth?
Answer
Not at all, however we do require that the youth have their own bedroom with a proper door for privacy.
Question
What kind of families is the John Howard Society looking for?
Answer
We look for all types of families who can provide a supportive and stable home environment: couples, single people, empty nesters, families of different cultural backgrounds, home owners and renters.
Question
We would like to help a youth but are not ready to commit to full time caregiving. Are there other ways to help?
Answer
Short-term or respite care is one way to get involved by providing care to children/youth for a specified time while full time caregivers are unavailable or taking a break. It can be as short as a day or as long as a few weeks. Other ways to be involved include mentoring or job training.
Question
Do I need to be at home full time to become a full-time caregiver?
Answer
We prefer to have one adult available to us and the youth at all times. However, we recognize this is not always possible for some families. If you work outside of your home, or, in the case of a two-parent family if both adults work outside of the home, you need to make sure that one of you or an alternate person is available in case the youth is sick and needs to remain at home. You also need to be available for regular meetings and training sessions during the week.
Question
What kind of supports and services do I get as a John Howard Society family care home?
Answer
John Howard offers intensive supports to families and youth, including: daily check-ins with staff, 24-hour staff availability, financial reimbursement, training in a variety of relevant topics, monthly respite (another family takes the youth temporarily to give you a break), and additional short breaks when required. Caregivers participate in monthly meetings with other caregivers and staff to discuss ideas and strategies on how to best work with the youth in their respective homes.