RIPPLE

**RIPPLE COMMENT** According to CBC News (established source), the Brandon library has partnered with Ask Auntie to create a downtown resource hub, offering essential services to vulnerable individuals through the Ask Auntie program. This development is likely to have a positive impact on caregiver recruitment and training in the context of child welfare and foster care. The direct cause → effect relationship is that the new resource hub will provide peer support and mentorship for vulnerable individuals, which could lead to an increase in trained caregivers willing to take on mentoring roles. Intermediate steps might include increased awareness of the importance of mentorship among potential caregivers, followed by a rise in volunteer applications to participate in Ask Auntie's programs. In the short term (0-6 months), this may result in a modest increase in caregiver recruitment due to the expanded support network for vulnerable individuals. In the long term (6-24 months), as more trained caregivers become involved with Ask Auntie, there could be a sustained improvement in mentorship and peer support services available to those in need. **DOMAINS AFFECTED** * Child Welfare and Foster Care * Social Services **EVIDENCE TYPE** * Event report **UNCERTAINTY** This initiative's success depends on factors such as the effectiveness of Ask Auntie's programs, community engagement with the resource hub, and the availability of resources to support its operations. If these conditions are met, it is possible that this project could serve as a model for other communities seeking to improve caregiver recruitment and training.