October 23, 2024

Foster Families

First Aid Standards and CPR Training

Becoming a foster family is a rewarding and meaningful experience, providing a temporary and safe home for a young person in need. This responsibility comes with several requirements, including specific standards for first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). This article outlines the essential criteria for becoming a foster family in Quebec and the training provided by Saint-Bernard Academy to meet these standards.

WHAT'S A FOSTER FAMILY?

A foster family offers a temporary living environment for children and teenagers who cannot remain in their biological family for various reasons. Foster families provide a safe, warm, and structured setting for these young people. Becoming a foster family does not require a professional background in social services or healthcare. However, candidates must demonstrate parenting skills, compassion, commitment, and a sincere desire to help young people in need.


FIRST AID STANDARDS FOR FOSTER FAMILIES

Foster families in Quebec must meet certain minimum requirements before welcoming a child. Among these criteria, up-to-date training in CPR and general first aid is mandatory. This training must be provided by a recognized organization to ensure that families are prepared to handle common emergencies, such as injuries, choking, or cardiac arrests.

The first aid training standards aim to ensure that foster families have the knowledge and skills needed to respond quickly and effectively to medical emergencies. These competencies are crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of the children and teenagers in their care.


HOW ACADÉMIE SAINT-BERNARD MEETS THE REQUIREMENTS

Saint-Bernard Academy offers a specialized training program called "General First Aid - Foster Care & Adoption (16h)," recognized by health and social services centers (CISSS / CIUSSS) and the Youth Protection Directorate (DPJ). This comprehensive training is designed to address the specific needs of foster families and covers essential first aid aspects, including CPR techniques, basic care for common injuries, and emergency management.

The training modules cover topics such as:

  • • CPR for adults, children, and infants.
  • • Techniques for clearing airway obstructions.
  • • Care for wounds and bleeding.
  • • Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) and the use of an epinephrine auto-injector.

By completing this training, foster families not only comply with legal requirements but also acquire the skills needed to provide an even safer environment for the young people in their care. Saint-Bernard Academy stands out for its interactive and practical teaching approach, ensuring optimal understanding and mastery of first aid techniques through certified instructors.


CONCLUSION

First aid standards for foster families are essential to ensure an adequate level of safety for the children in care. With its "General First Aid - Foster Care & Adoption (16h)" training program, Saint-Bernard Academy helps families meet these standards while preparing for potential emergencies.

Sources

• Gouvernement du Québec. 2021. "Becoming a foster family". https://www.quebec.ca/en/family-and-support-for-individuals/childhood/foster-family/becoming-a-foster-family

• Gouvernement du Québec. 2021. "Procedure to become a foster family". https://www.quebec.ca/en/family-and-support-for-individuals/childhood/foster-family/procedure

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