Frequently Asked Questions

Interwoven Connections provides free peer support, education, advocacy, resources, and community connections for parents and caregivers across Ontario. 

Below you'll find answers to some of the most common questions about our programs, eligibility, peer support services, support groups, caregiver resources, and how to get connected with Interwoven Connections. 

If you don't find the answer you're looking for, please contact our team. We're always happy to help you explore the supports, programs, and community connections available to your family. 

  • No, we do not provide or manage funding directly. However, our Peer Connectors can help identify potential funding sources and support you in navigating available application processes and community resources.

  • Our team can help by: 

    • Providing 1:1 peer support from individuals with lived experience  

    • Connecting caregivers to community resources, services, and supports  

    • Helping caregivers navigate systems such as education, healthcare, child welfare, and developmental services  

    • Offering workshops, support groups, and community learning opportunities  

    • Providing access to specialized programs and supports for families facing complex challenges  

    • Sharing practical information, tools, and resources tailored to your family's needs  

    • Creating spaces where caregivers feel understood, supported, and less alone 

  • No. Interwoven Connections is a completely separate organization with its own governance, leadership, and community-focused mandate.  
     
    While we are not affiliated with Children's Aid Societies, we believe strongly in fostering informed, collaborative relationships across systems that impact caregivers and families. Our work focuses on supporting caregivers through advocacy, connection, trauma-informed education, and opportunities for meaningful learning and dialogue.  
     
    Our goal is always to help caregivers feel informed, supported and empowered while encouraging collaborative approaches that lead to better outcomes for children, youth and families in our community.  

  • Interwoven Connections is primarily a remote organization, which allows us to support caregivers across all regions of Ontario. Because of the broad reach of our work, many members of our team provide services virtually.  
     
    In some situations, an in-person meeting may be possible if a team member or peer connector is located nearby and able to provide local support. These decisions require multiple considerations, and we encourage you to connect with your Peer Connector to discuss what options may be available in your area.  

  • No. Services provided through Interwoven Connections are offered at no cost to caregivers.  
     
    Through funding support from the Ministry of Children, Community and Social services, community partnerships and grant opportunities, we are able to provide accessible support, education, advocacy and connection opportunities for families across Ontario.  
     
    Our goal is to ensure that caregivers who have formed their families through a permanency journey—including adoption, kinship and customary care can access meaningful support without financial barriers.  

  • Absolutely. Kinship caregivers who are actively providing care for a child, whether on a short-term or long-term basis, and whether formally or informally, are welcome to access support through Interwoven Connections. 

    Kinship caregivers may include: 

    • Grandparents  

    • Aunts and uncles  

    • Adult siblings  

    • Cousins  

    • Great-grandparents  

    • Family friends  

    • Godparents  

    • Members of a child's community, cultural community, or chosen family who have taken on a caregiving role  

    If you are providing ongoing care for a child who is not your biological or adopted child, we encourage you to reach out to learn more about the supports available to you. 

  • No, Interwoven Connections does not provide legal advice or mediation services. We are a peer support organization focused on walking alongside caregivers and families through connection, understanding, and lived experience. 

     
    However, we regularly offer webinars, educational sessions, and support groups that may include legal professionals and community experts who can help answer general legal questions and provide information relevant to kinship and caregiving families. Our Peer Connectors may also be able to share referral information for additional supports in your community. 

  • Currently, Interwoven Connections does not offer direct support services specifically for foster parents. However, they are welcome to access our publicly available webinars on our Youtube channel and our Resource Library that may provide helpful information and learning opportunities.

  • Currently, Interwoven Connections is not funded to provide direct AFCCA (Aggression Towards Family and Caregivers in Childhood and Adolescence) support services for biological families. However, they are welcome and encouraged to access our publicly available webinars, educational resources, and video content available through our YouTube channel and website. 

     Families are also encouraged to visit the National Consortium on AFCCA website for additional information, resources, and support related to Aggression Towards Family and Caregivers in Childhood and Adolescence. 

  • Yes, Interwoven Connections was created to support caregivers, and our Peer to Peer Support Network has no age limit. Caregivers of adult children may still access other peer support services, resources, education, and community connection. We recognize that caregiving journeys continue through many stages of life, and support can be accessed at any point along that journey. 

    The only program that has specific eligibility criteria, is our AFCCA Family Supports Program which is currently available to caregivers until their child reaches the age of 18.

  • Our organization offers peer support through trained, trauma-informed Peer Connectors who bring both professional knowledge and lived experience to their work with caregivers. Support may be offered in a variety of ways, including 1:1 peer connection, peer-led groups, educational opportunities, and caregiver buddy/mentor matches.  
     
    For caregivers experiencing AFCCA (Aggression towards Family/Caregivers in childhood and adolescence), our team may also incorporate short-term support approaches rooted in Non-Violent Resistance (NVR) and polyvagal-informed practices through our small clinical team. These supports are decisioned to provide practical strategies, stabilization, connection, and caregiver support during challenging periods.  
     
    While these services can be highly supportive and therapeutic in nature, they are not intended to replace ongoing clinical therapy. When appropriate, we may also help caregivers explore additional community-based clinical supports and resources.  

  • You can find support groups in your area through our regularly updated Community Events Calendar, which includes local in-person Coffee Connections as well as virtually hosted support groups and events. Virtual support groups can also be found on the events pages within our closed Facebook groups. 

  • If you are a permanency parent or caregiver interested in becoming a Peer Connector, we would love to hear from you! You can learn more about current opportunities and how to get started by visiting our Careers page. There, you’ll find information about available roles, qualifications, and the application process. 

  • Getting started is simple. Register with Interwoven Connections through our website and complete a welcome conversation with a member of our team. This helps us learn more about your family's needs and connect you with the programs, services, and community connections that may be most helpful. 

    If you are interested in 1:1 peer support, we can also match you with a trained Peer Connector who has lived experience in adoption, kinship care, or customary care. 

    If you have questions, our team is always happy to help you explore the supports available and find the right fit for your family.