Ontario foster caregivers play a critical role in their communities. Although child welfare agencies 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 or alternate care placements are not available, foster caregivers provide children and youth with temporary care in a family setting. In most situations, children and youth 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 caregivers across the province. They are important community members who not only provide temporary homes for children and youth, but also facilitate connections and reunification with their families and communities.
“Foster caregivers are an important part of the community that supports the well-being of Ontario children and youth,” said Solomon Owoo, Interim CEO of OACAS. “They provide essential support, and we are grateful for their unwavering commitment.”
Child welfare agencies recognize that children and youth do better when they are placed in homes that are uniquely matched and connected to their families, communities, identities, and cultures. Most child welfare agencies are currently accepting applications for new foster caregivers 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 child welfare agency.
To all foster caregivers in Ontario—thank you. This week, we honour you.
