Family & Community Outreach Worker (FCOW)
The Family and Community Outreach Worker (FCOW) works with parents and families of youth who are exploited in the sex trade or at-risk of becoming exploited, regardless of whether or not the youth is also an NSTAY client. Case management with families puts the family at the centre of services and does not need to involve the youth. The FCOW works with addressing the parents’ needs to support or understand what is going on with their children. Family case management can include:
- family-based safety planning
- providing emotional support and problem-solving strategies
- facilitating group-based support programs
- justice system navigation and advocacy
- child protection navigation and advocacy
- parenting strategies
- helping families understand the complexities of sexual exploitation and ways to respond and support their child at the various stages
Victims Who Are Moms
The Family and Community Outreach Worker also works with youth victims of trafficking who have children themselves, where the focus is on their roles as moms. This can include:
- family-based safety planning
- providing emotional support and problem-solving strategies
- facilitating one-on-one and group parenting programming
- child protection navigation and advocacy
Foster Care Support
Foster families caring for and supporting youth who are being exploited can also access the Family and Community Outreach Worker for family case management.
How Do I Access the FCOW?
Self-referrals and service providers may make a referral to the Family and Community Outreach Worker. Please download the PDF below and email to NSTAY@ywcahalifax.com