Circle of Care

The Medicine Wheel Is Our Guide

Every family has a different Circle of Care plan

This program is based on the holistic teachings of the Medicine Wheel, which serves as a guide in creating a care plan for families that require a combination of social services. Every family has a different Circle of Care plan, based on its unique challenges. You and your family may get involved with the fitness centre, therapists, counselling, daycare, mediation, Elders programs, maternal resource program, arts and culture, and more.

Shared responsibility, shared decision-making and shared accountability are important in the Circle of Care and integral to its mandate. The mental, emotional, physical and spiritual wellbeing of parents, children and extended family are evaluated by professionals, who then work together with family members to determine how to create success for everyone. A holistic approach to healing every issue within the family can create a stable home with a plan for the future.

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Goals & Objectives

  • To create a feeling of teamwork & a positive vision for each family
  • To resolve the problems of the past
  • To ensure each family member feels loved & appreciated
  • To teach effective coping strategies for stress, frustration & anger

Why do I need the Circle of Care?

Life can feel overwhelming. You may be dealing with financial and health stress, or trauma from your own childhood. It can be difficult to create a stable home, make positive changes, or even decide where to start.

Imagine life without stress, sadness or anger. The Circle of Care helps us to understand your needs and then we connect you with the people in our community who can help.

Families and individuals can be involved with Circle of Care on a voluntary or involuntary basis. If you think your family could be healthier, contact us! Some families must work with the Circle of Care to meet requirements of other programs, such as Child and Family Services.

How does the Circle of Care work?

Instead of trying to solve one obvious problem, the Circle of Care steps back to understand the entire picture of a family. For example, if a parent is dealing with addiction, we’ll get them into treatment, but we must also care for the children’s emotions. If children are not eating well, we must take care of their diets but also make a plan for the family’s financial health. We find all the problems and create solutions all at once.

We believe a family will have success if they are creating goals and plans themselves, which might include extended family, Elders and spiritual leaders.

There are six steps in setting up a Circle of Care Plan.

1

Step 1

Intake Process

The family’s immediate needs are assessed

2

Step 2

Transfer of family to primary worker

Worker and family begin to develop a relationship

3

Step 3

Circle of Care assessment

Discuss the family’s strengths, barriers, needs and goals

4

Step 4

Service providers meet to create comprehensive plan

Primary worker collaborates with other agencies, self-help groups, etc.

5

Step 5

Circle of Care meeting

Family and workers discuss strategy and create plan together

6

Step 6

Service coordination and follow-up meetings

Family attends counselling, workshops, etc.; progress is monitored

What are the benefits of the Circle of Care?

Mom and Dad holding Baby's hands

The Circle of Care creates a higher chance of success for you & your family.

You’ll enjoy:

  • Higher self-esteem
  • The feeling of teamwork
  • Positive vision for the future
  • Problems from the past are resolved
  • Clear understanding of who you are & what you need
  • Better relationships & connection with those around you
  • Strategies for dealing with stress, frustration, anger
  • Support from RDF counsellors & Circle of Care staff

This program currently operates in Nelson House, Thompson, Winnipeg, South Indian Lake, Leaf Rapids, and Brandon. Contact your local sub-office to learn more.