Foster Care Training

In today’s political and social climate, there is a growing recognition that the current child welfare system, rooted in colonization, often separates youth from their families, communities, and cultures. As child welfare professionals, we are challenged to support all youth in ways that honor their connections to community and their cultural identities, regardless of their background. Now more than ever, there is a need to shift from systems of control and disconnection to practices rooted in reciprocity and respect, drawing on the strengths of Indigenous knowledge for the benefit of all. This workshop explores how Indigenous frameworks of care, particularly the concept of right relationship, offer transformative approaches to supporting youth in the child welfare system. Right relationship emphasizes interconnectedness, mutual respect, and a deep understanding of the youth’s ties to family, community, and culture. Participants will learn how to integrate these principles into their work with all youth, regardless of background, ensuring that care practices prioritize cultural preservation, emotional well-being, and long-term connection. Through practical strategies, social workers will leave equipped to foster more respectful, relational, and culturally responsive environments for youth from all walks of life.