PAFNW Foster Care Programs

Provides various foster care programs for Indigenous youth. Through the Mentor Me program, young women ages 18 to 25 who have aged out of foster care provide a support system for the Urban Butterflies group, girls ages seven to 14 who are currently in foster care. The mentors learn to facilitate while helping the girls learn about self-reliance, how to survive emotional pain associated with living in foster care away from family, and spirituality, as well as sharing community activities and cultural projects. Through Mentoring Indigenous Youth in Care, 12- to 18-year old youth are mentored by Elders whose teachings connect the youth to community and give them a sense of belonging; youth also learn about rights and advocacy. Accepts self-referrals, though most referrals are from Vancouver Aboriginal Child and Family Services Society (VACFSS), and Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD). Office hours are 9 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday.