Discussions

It's more than one home. They are located throughout the city and some in the souris area. Not all 21 kids would be from the same home but from the different ones. I for one am happy CFS has decided to do something about this issue.

What is the SFH home?  
 
I briefly worked with a few DOCFS foster group homes in town and that really opened up my eyes as to how the system needs major change! I had to quit because my ethics and morals just didn't line up with theirs at all...

As did mine. I previously worked for SFH a few years ago. And morally couldn't do it. The kids are the ones that truly suffer. Not sure if you too worked for SFH. But indeed the entire system needs a change!

I think that SFH was licensed by DOCFS but it's a private foster home Business that is paid to manage this kids. The home is run by SFH and not DOCFS because the kids are just placed there to live. I guess from all the issues then there must have been something going on because how else did so much happen if the kids were being taken care of and supervised? Maybe DOCFS took away the license because they didn't like the way things were being done instead of how that guy the owns it said it was about money

parents need to take responsibility for their own children. I know this may be a sensitive topic, but at some point someone needs to break the cycle. If you are unable to care for a child, provide for a child, feed, clothe and educate, what do you think will happen to this kid. They will end up in foster care, and the cycle will continue. I don't have the answers, wish I did.

No doubt it's cyclical but this discussion was about a certain foster home. There must be good reason if CFS, who is always being questioned and seems desperate for foster homes, would up and take 21 kids away without a plan. Talked to some people who thought that maybe CFS finally saw that this wasn't so specialized anyway, just somebody trying to make money. The more I hear people talk about this it seems like lots of people in Brandon knew this was a bad situation with sketchy morals. The article said that there was some disagreement about money but I doubt CFS would take this much heat over a money issue. Just saying where there's smoke there's fire and this has a lot of smoke

It's been so long and I only worked there briefly so I'm blanking on the guys name that owned the homes that I worked at. Can you tell me what SFH stands for? The homes I worked at were all run by the guy, the foster dad, and the staff were considered more "aunt and uncles". They were all high risk teens that lived in the homes and they needed structure....something that IMO, wasn't given. There were constant behaviour issues and again, IMO, the staff just weren't trained enough to deal with such situations. I remember them being impressed with my past work experience but I just couldn't work for them as I didn't feel right doing what they asked. Jamma is right, it's the kids that suffer  
 
There were a few kids there that just pulled at my heart strings though and I wish I could have helped them. They needed so much more than what the group homes could offer and it's those kids that I fear the system (and their parents!) failed them so greatly!! I hope they were able to end the cycle with them!

Paper said "specialized foster homes". How does one guy get to be a foster dad to that many kids. Did that not raise some questions for CFS if he was a foster dad and staff were supposed to be like aunts and uncles. Where did that idea come from? I'm no professional but I can't see that being normal. Wierd. Anyway, I hope those kids are taken care of because they've probably all gone through a lot of stuff and this is just another bad deal in life for them.

Oh geeze, talk about brain fart!! I was trying to think of the persons name for sfh. Thanks for clarifying!!  
 
This guy owned 3 or 4 group homes. The staff were than dispersed to the homes. Only the kids lived in the homes with staff coming and going. They also had a main "office"/drop off centre. It was more a business feel than home like IMO. Often, the homes were open to the kids doing what they wanted as staff were constantly coming and going, dropping off/picking up kids from various activities and jobs. There was lots of room for improvement and lots of chances for kids to act out and do things they shouldn't be. I believe there was only 1-2 kids at that time that had constant supervision.  
 
As far as I know, it was all legal and he was licensed. He received money for the kids and than we were paid by him. I remember that we didn't have to claim it though which I found odd. Like I said, I only briefly worked there so I could be missing information but it was just a weird set up all around IMO.  
 
I'm still blanking on his name though...it's driving me crazy haha

Litebrite said "Paper said "specialized foster homes". How does one guy get to be a foster dad to that many kids. Did that not raise some questions for CFS if he was a foster dad and staff were supposed to be like aunts and uncles. Where did that idea come from? I'm no professional but I can't see that being normal. Wierd. Anyway, I hope those kids are taken care of because they've probably all gone through a lot of stuff and this is just another bad deal in life for them. "

If you don't know the whole situation why are you commenting on this?? Do you know the back story to SFH? Do you know how SFH came into existance? Guessing by your ignorance you don't. They have been offering Forster care for DOCFS for many years: helped many in the system who needed it. If DOCFS had a problem with SFH being a business they would have not approved the licensing from the beginning...  
Know the facts before passing judgement: all involved are affected. A lot of these kids feel great sadness being taken from people who were more than willing to help them.

Defensive much? Sounds like you got a hand in this maybe? Clearly there was an issue or cfs wouldn't have pulled their license now. Nobody is talking about how to be just that what it is now isn't working. Yes the kids had a hard time being pulled but who would t when if what the other poster says is true the kids were living the teenaged dream of doing whatever hey wanted to with nobody to answer to

What I've said is true to what I know and saw while working there. However, like I've said, I could be missing information but nothing I've said is a lie. Just the facts that I know. Sorry if I've offended anyone, it wasn't my intent.  
 
Is there a link to any current articles on these homes? I'd be interested in reading them. Are the homes all shut down?  
 
There was definitely caring staff there, don't get me wrong, but they weren't all trained to deal with the situations that came up.

It is purely a moneymaking scheme for this fellow. Talk to local police. Talk to local social workers. They all know his name. They all know what kind of a business he runs. Police are constantly catching these youth out past curfview among other things. Not sure how he can really say he is providing a safe place for these kids.  
 
Ask around ... It's been going on ever since he opened up these homes a few years ago. He is far from responsible with these kids.  
 
You wonder why vehicle thefts are up the last few years ? What good are these homes if they can't keep track of the kids, especially at night.  
 
This has been a long time coming. Sorry for the kids having to move out, but these homes were not fostering change, just more no good behaviour.

Defensive? Not as much as you would like to believe. Pissed off that yet again the eBrandon community is bashing something that they don't fully understand? Yup... I am.  
As for myself being involved in this situation, far from the truth.  
The part I don't understand is how could a handful of youths can cause such an increase in local crime... Ignorance on my part? Maybe.. Ignorance of those who actually think that statement is true; more than likely. A money making scheme though - that I'm not sure about that but I am sure DOCFS doesn't throw their funding around aimlessly. If DOCFS didn't like the feel of the SFH setup there wouldn't have been funding. There is obviously something we are all missing in the story; maybe a DOCFS will answer the Brandon Sun's call. Shed some light on the situation.

Nobody said anyone is throwing away money. The situation has gotten increasingly worse every year. I'm not sure what was the final straw to get licences revoked but it's a long time coming.  
 
Like I said. Ask around those that are in the know.... This guy was filling his bank account while not even closely providing a sound environment for these kids. How many stories did not make the Brandon sun ? I'm sure there are many more.  
 
I'm sure BPS is relieved.

I did as Zekeland suggests and asked some friends a who are professionals "in the know" and she basically confirmed what was being said. I guess a lot of professionals in town, like social workers, cops, school people, even mental health places like the rha know that this was a shady foster home set up. Guess what else I learned? this guy actually had people that work at prairie mountain health, nurses and a doctor, that also worked for him and knew what he was doing.

Enlighten everyone: those in the know know what??

Personally, I found the homes to be really lacking anything to make it home like, cozy, inviting and warm. There was never enough seating for the amount of people in the home, furniture was old and sometimes broken, appliances in some of the kitchens were broken or not even provided. Walls were in bad shape, little to none for home decor and limited decorations (I was there around Xmas)  
 
Now to be fair, some of this could have been due to behaviour issues (more stuff in the house could just mean more to break) but I always was told it was money issues. However, his home with his family was VERY nice. I don't know exactly how the money was to be divided though so maybe the money meant for the homes was scarce....but from what others are saying, I'm doubting it

Raw Dog said "Defensive? Not as much as you would like to believe. Pissed off that yet again the eBrandon community is bashing something that they don't fully understand? Yup... I am.   As for myself being involved in this situation, far from the truth.   The part I don't understand is how could a handful of youths can cause such an increase in local crime... Ignorance on my part? Maybe.. Ignorance of those who actually think that statement is true; more than likely. A money making scheme though - that I'm not sure about that but I am sure DOCFS doesn't throw their funding around aimlessly. If DOCFS didn't like the feel of the SFH setup there wouldn't have been funding. There is obviously something we are all missing in the story; maybe a DOCFS will answer the Brandon Sun's call. Shed some light on the situation. "

One of the kids in care at the time I was there, was the son of a well known gang leader. (I believe he created the gang...I don't want to name it) These kids have very close relations and connections to a lot of bad people...increased crime with them is very believable. They are young and impressionable and will do whatever to please their gang family  
 
Staff were always on edge when they had to take him for family visits. Thankfully, I never was part of that!

Litebrite isn't wrong about anything that was said here. When I quit there was a psych team with two doctors and two nurses. Quite a few office personnel as well. But Sammy is also right. There was also some homes in very ill repair. And also yes the son of a very well known gang leader. So very many stories never made the Brandon sun. Sometimes they were not reported to police either. There was little to no structure or any type of consequence for the actions. When I read about the staff in the paper getting beat up. It really was only a matter of time before that happened. I had corrections officers tell me they wouldn't do my job as it was so unsafe. And most staff were not trained to deal with matters of violence like that. And the corrections officers had training! I'm all for helping the children in care but it wasn't a home like environment and more like a "teenage dream" (borrowed that from you litebrite). For the kids to come and go and do as they please. And that's when someone was actually at the house. Sometimes there were no staff there. So I imagine CFS has a very good reason and I agree this is more than just a financial issue its a safety issue for everyone. The kids the staff and the public.

I Have known the owner and founder of SFH for 10 plus years , I do not work for him - or have I worked for him . I consider him someone i know - no -we have done business in the past - so i am in no way sticking up for him or defending him or his business, out of friendship . First off like so many of ebrandon discussions - there is always a bunch of" professionals "- spitting out there opinion . let me say this He has only the true best intentions of of the children - i have talked and listened to him and heard the passion in his voice to try to make a difference . What the average public person sees his the kids under the supervision - causing problems - - hello!!! these kids are high risk - troubled teens - Not to use as a direct comparison - but you can not  
tame a wild animal - I have read many statements - that his places are not properly equipped - run down - no fixtures - 100% false they are furnished nicely - kids are well looked after with clothing , food , and daily needs . I have been in a few of his places - yes the walls may have damage- these kids are venting their frustration . The damage is always getting repaired in a timely manner .He and his staff have rules and expectations for the children in his care .  
I strongly believe he is trying his best to correct and guide the kids in a positive path . I have read numerous post about him making to much money and it being a business-absolutely - he s making money - making money is not a crime - picture yourself - looking after and guiding high risk troubled teens -a huge staff, i wouldn t want his baggage and stress - certainly not with out getting paid - What makes us the rulers of ones income - There s many ways to make money is this world and we only choose our own way to make our own . When I see SFH hiring trained professionals to accomodate the ever changing needs of the teens - one would believe - the income is not the goal- but the goal is to improve the teens lives . I Have seen first hand Safety and Health regulations put in place by SFH. Take a moment - think about you being in charge of the care and health of 40 plus high risk - troubled teens -................would you run a flawless show - would you be able to handle each and every child - so they dont act out - like they have for most part their entire lives . Think about the responsibility - the stress- the cost -housing - staff- food - clothing - - would you step up to the plate ?  
 
Do I think he s running a perfect show ?- No I don''t - i don''t think thats possible  
, but what I do see him and his staff doing is something to the best of their ability , most of us wouldn t attempt- most of us have our hands full with our own children trying to guide 1-2 - maybe 3 in the right direction - not 40 plus that have came from a past that the mast majority of us can t even imagine happens in this world.  
 
for the record this is my first ever reply on ebrandon - - read lots - this one is like many others -have a bunch of sayers that don''t know all the facts - do i know all the facts -No - but the above is what i do know - -  
 
Edited by scotty b, 2016-05-18 00:13:46

Ignorance they say is a terrible diseases and it's killing a lot a faster than cancer these days. Those of you who think you have a right to say whatever you want about people on social media. How about you take a second look at your own family and if you care enough about your family half as much as SFH care for those kids, I'm sure your family would've turn out way better. Go and fact check with BPS and they'll tell how much damage your kids are causing in this community. Remember that when you point a finger at someone else, the remaining four fingers at pointing right back at you. Why don't you sit right back and o:bjectively consider what you're talking about, whether you're not motivated by race, hatred, superiority complex, or jealousy? If you do, you will not say anything without proper facts checking. You have no right to criticize anyone till you have taken a walk or two in their shoes , and just because you can talk, doesn't mean wisdom shouldn't be exercised in your words. Talk is cheap and small minds are good at it. Only great minds discuss ideas and how to do great things that brings progress, no matter how small, to the community. I'm sure you will talk differently if those kids were yours.

So give the guy some credit as the above poster said he took in these kids with the best of intentions but, and it's a big BUT where did that get lost in the name of money? I mean you have a point about high needs but what training did these people have for dealing with such high needs? 40 kids between all of the houses and all under one foster dad- someone was pretty short sighted not to see that this was going to turn into. Was our health system part of this if the rha staff knew about it all and they had a doctor who works at the rha that worked there? So many questions and I don't know why I am so interested. I have a history myself and I know personally that there's no person in my life, friend, family or all the professionals that dealt with me and my family, that would have condoned any of that stuff like not phoning police or not dealing with fights and punching holes in walls. I think the reason I came out good on this side of it was because the people that raised me gave consequences and even though I thought it was tough and mean then, it taught me how to be part of society. This is so mixed up

Princewill said "Ignorance they say is a terrible diseases and it's killing a lot a faster than cancer these days. Those of you who think you have a right to say whatever you want about people on social media. How about you take a second look at your own family and if you care enough about your family half as much as SFH care for those kids, I'm sure your family would've turn out way better. Go and fact check with BPS and they'll tell how much damage your kids are causing in this community. Remember that when you point a finger at someone else, the remaining four fingers at pointing right back at you. Why don't you sit right back and o:bjectively consider what you're talking about, whether you're not motivated by race, hatred, superiority complex, or jealousy? If you do, you will not say anything without proper facts checking. You have no right to criticize anyone till you have taken a walk or two in their shoes , and just because you can talk, doesn't mean wisdom shouldn't be exercised in your words. Talk is cheap and small minds are good at it. Only great minds discuss ideas and how to do great things that brings progress, no matter how small, to the community. I'm sure you will talk differently if those kids were yours. "

Even as you say he has the best of intentions for the children you ask how good of a job people have done with there 2 or three non problem children of their own. The question has to be asked with 40 problem children could he possibly provide quality care and the answer from those that live around these homes is no. Most likely these children need smaller more specialized care with actual supervision. Does that make it easy for cfs or the province no. Should it all be about the money no. Do care providers need to be paid yes. But it should be about getting the best possible care.

just the truth said "I Have known the owner and founder of SFH for 10 plus years , I do not work for him - or have I worked for him . I consider him someone i know - no -we have done business in the past - so i am in no way sticking up for him or defending him or his business, out of friendship . First off like so many of ebrandon discussions - there is always a bunch of" professionals "- spitting out there opinion . let me say this He has only the true best intentions of of the children - i have talked and listened to him and heard the passion in his voice to try to make a difference . What the average public person sees his the kids under the supervision - causing problems - - hello!!! these kids are high risk - troubled teens - Not to use as a direct comparison - but you can not   tame a wild animal - I have read many statements - that his places are not properly equipped - run down - no fixtures - 100% false they are furnished nicely - kids are well looked after with clothing , food , and daily needs . I have been in a few of his places - yes the walls may have damage- these kids are venting their frustration . The damage is always getting repaired in a timely manner .He and his staff have rules and expectations for the children in his care .   I strongly believe he is trying his best to correct and guide the kids in a positive path . I have read numerous post about him making to much money and it being a business-absolutely - he s making money - making money is not a crime - picture yourself - looking after and guiding high risk troubled teens -a huge staff, i wouldn t want his baggage and stress - certainly not with out getting paid - What makes us the rulers of ones income - There s many ways to make money is this world and we only choose our own way to make our own . When I see SFH hiring trained professionals to accomodate the ever changing needs of the teens - one would believe - the income is not the goal- but the goal is to improve the teens lives . I Have seen first hand Safety and Health regulations put in place by SFH. Take a moment - think about you being in charge of the care and health of 40 plus high risk - troubled teens -................would you run a flawless show - would you be able to handle each and every child - so they dont act out - like they have for most part their entire lives . Think about the responsibility - the stress- the cost -housing - staff- food - clothing - - would you step up to the plate ?     Do I think he s running a perfect show ?- No I don''t - i don''t think thats possible   , but what I do see him and his staff doing is something to the best of their ability , most of us wouldn t attempt- most of us have our hands full with our own children trying to guide 1-2 - maybe 3 in the right direction - not 40 plus that have came from a past that the mast majority of us can t even imagine happens in this world.     for the record this is my first ever reply on ebrandon - - read lots - this one is like many others -have a bunch of sayers that don''t know all the facts - do i know all the facts -No - but the above is what i do know - -     Edited by scotty b, 2016-05-18 00:13:46"

Glad to hear that some of the issues I witnessed are no longer issues!  
 
The intent behind opening these homes is great and I think he's brave for taking that on....the reality of providing quality, safe, consistent care though is much harder.

Litebrite said "No doubt it's cyclical but this discussion was about a certain foster home. There must be good reason if CFS, who is always being questioned and seems desperate for foster homes, would up and take 21 kids away without a plan. Talked to some people who thought that maybe CFS finally saw that this wasn't so specialized anyway, just somebody trying to make money. The more I hear people talk about this it seems like lots of people in Brandon knew this was a bad situation with sketchy morals. The article said that there was some disagreement about money but I doubt CFS would take this much heat over a money issue. Just saying where there's smoke there's fire and this has a lot of smoke "

I don't see any link to an article.

I see a major issue with some of his defenders and the idea in general that this is a business or money making venture for him. That alone is deplorable. YES foster parents are financially compensated, but its just that....reimbursement for money spent on the children and to provide for THEIR needs. It is in no way a paycheck or intended to be so.

Its good to see this finally getting some exposure, concerns have been around for quite some time with local professionals. Hopefully its the first (although painful) step in creating a better system and environment for these clients and also a strategy on how to audit and sustain quality care moving forward.  
 
The unfortunate side of things is that this situation got this far at the expense of the clients, tax payers and the professionals that either worked for this buisness or had to clean up the ill effects of what was allowed to transpire  
 
I believe what has been discussed here is only the tip of the iceberg in terms of all inappropriate things that have happened both in terms of professional standards and ethics, but also in terms of business management

these are kids in those homes. In many cases it is their parents who have created the problems through neglect and abuse. Many of those parents are far more interested in feeding their addictions than feeding their kids, and watching their phones and devices more than watching their kids.  
 
These unloved kids are placed in SFH facilities. The owner of SFH makes a good dollar housing these kids. To understand how much he makes, take a look at his house some day.  
 
So now these kids are housed in SFH. They still feel unloved and neglected. These kids are in our community, at the mall, and in our schools with other kids. The turmoil that they cause goes back to the neglect that they experienced at the hands of their parents.  
 
It is popular to blame the government or CFS for so many kids being in care. Let's put the blame where it really belongs: on the parents who find that their children are just too much of an inconvenience to waste their time on love and nurturing.