Caregiving at NIȽ TU,O is life-changing, both for the Caregivers and the children in care or  youth in care. If you’re considering becoming a Caregiver but wondering about the time commitment, requirements and how it works, keep reading to learn about the types of Caregiving, why become a Caregiver, supports offered for Caregivers and more.

What is a Caregiver? 

NIȽ TU,O Caregivers play an invaluable role in keeping Coast Salish children connected to family, community, and culture. As a Caregiver, you’ll be caring for a Coast Salish child to give the biological family a restorative break. During your time as a Caregiver you’ll be supported by a team that includes a ₭EŚENTEL (Social Worker) and a ŚTEṈISTEL (Family Support Worker), with ongoing support and training along the way. 

What types of Caregiving are there?

For those interested in trying Caregiving out, Respite and Relief care is less of a time commitment, but is just as impactful as full-time work. 

Short-term, Respite & Relief Caregivers

Caregivers can support children and youth in different situations, including emergency, short-term, and long-term care. 

As a Respite Caregiver, you’ll be temporarily caring for a child to give the biological family a restorative break. Similarly, as a Relief Caregiver, you’ll be temporarily caring for a child to give the primary Caregiver a break. These kinds of Caregiving are a great way to see if being a full-time NIȽ TU,O Caregiver is a good fit for you. 

Full-time Caregivers

Initially, when you become a Caregiver, you’ll offer a Regular Caregiver Home.This type of home provides the most basic level of Caregiving for children in NIȽ TU,O’s care without any specialized needs. 

Specialized Caregivers

After a year at this level, you may be assessed to become a Specialized Caregiver Home. As a Specialized Caregiver, you’ll receive additional training and support to ensure you can meet the needs of the children in your home. 

Restricted Caregivers

The third type of Family Care Home is a Restricted Caregiver Home. As a Restricted Caregiver, you’ll be paired with a child you are connected to, typically through family, and you won’t take in a child you don’t know. 

What to do if you’re interested in learning more about becoming a Caregiver

Your Caregiver journey starts with a simple phone call to an intake worker at NILTUO’s office.To learn more about Caregiving and the process of becoming a Caregiver, read this blog.

Why become a Caregiver?  

There are many reasons to become a Caregiver, but this is what it comes down to: Coast Salish youth need this kind of support. One of our Caregivers, April Reeve, shares an observation from her time working at Tillicum Lelum Safe House: 

“…it became clear that there were a lot of Indigenous youth who didn’t have anywhere safe to go; they were on the streets.”

As a Caregiver, you become that safe place to go. You’re not just providing a home; you’re creating a sense of stability and belonging. 

NIȽ TU,O’s vision is to rebuild healthy families, communities and Nations that are based on who we are as NEW̱ (people). Caregiving is an essential piece of this vision, and when you provide that safety to a child or youth, you actively work towards making this vision a reality. 

Your unique perspective matters, and can help youth in care feel less alone. Wayne Reeve adds that his own childhood experiences are a large part of why he became a Caregiver:

“Innately, I think anybody that gets into being a Caregiver probably has that built right into them … It’s a way of life. It’s not a job or anything like that—it’s a commitment.”

What our Caregivers say:

“I believe they (NIȽ TU,O) do everything in their power to make sure that the children will have a good loving, caring home.” – Lorraine

“Our experience as Caregivers with NIȽ TU,O has only been positive.” – Sam T.

“As a Caregiver for NIȽ TU,O, my experience has been and is very positive, as I and the children are well supported.” – Gitte W. 

Who should become a Caregiver?

If you have a heart for care, a desire to support Indigenous youth, and a commitment to building a better future, being a NIȽ TU,O Caregiver might be right for you. 

To learn more about the application process and requirements, read our blog on becoming a Caregiver to find your next steps. 

NIȽ TU,O is very grateful for the deep commitment our Caregivers make. Every October, we celebrate Caregiver Appreciation month – but our gratitude lasts year-round.