Ontario foster caregivers play a critical role in their communities. Although Children’s Aid Societies partner with families to keep children and youth in their homes, this is not always possible. When children cannot remain with their primary caregivers and kin placements are not available, foster families provide children and youth with temporary care in a family setting. In most situations, children placed in foster care are reunified with their primary caregivers, families, and communities.
During National Foster Family Appreciation Week, Ontario’s child welfare sector recognizes the invaluable contributions of foster families across the province. Foster caregivers are important members of the team that supports young people in care, not only by providing a caring home, but also by facilitating pathways to lifelong connections with family and community.
“Foster caregivers provide essential care and support to children and youth across Ontario,” said Nicole Bonnie, CEO of OACAS. “They provide children and youth with support when they need it most. We are grateful for their unwavering commitment towards the young people in their homes.”
Children’s Aid Societies recognize that children and youth do better when they are placed in homes that are culturally matched and are connected to their families, communities, and identities. Most Children’s Aid Societies are currently accepting applications for new foster families reflecting diverse racial, ethnic, religious, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression backgrounds. To learn more about fostering in general, visit our website. To learn more about fostering in your local community, contact your local Children’s Aid Society.
To all foster families in Ontario—thank you. This week, we celebrate and honour you.
