The Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies (OACAS) is pleased to announce the release of the Kujali: Caring for Black Children – Training for Foster Caregivers (Kujali) series. Kujali is a four-part, virtual, self-paced, bilingual training for foster caregivers designed to enhance their capacity to care for Black children and youth. Kujali was developed in partnership between the One Vision One Voice Program (OVOV) at OACAS and the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS).
Cultural identity is an integral part of a child’s life, especially for Black children and youth. The harm of separating a child from their birth parents, wider family, and community creates significant trauma. Kujali was designed to support foster caregivers to increase their capacity to care for the social, emotional, and physical well-being of Black children and youth. The mandatory training also equips caregivers to navigate the interconnected systems that Black children and youth engage with, such as education and mental health.
“Foster caregivers provide incredible support to the children and youth in their care,” said Keishia Facey, Program Manager of OVOV. “Kujali is designed to deepen their understanding of history, the world, and the children and youth they support, equipping them to better guide young people through the complexities and strengths of their racial identity.”
Kujali was further informed by consultations with foster caregivers, the OVOV Provincial Advisory Committee, child welfare sector staff, existing literature on the experiences of Black youth in the child welfare system, academics, MCCSS staff focused on addressing anti-Black racism, and other community members. These key stakeholders helped to identify the critical themes for the training.
“We are thrilled to see the launch of the Kujali foster training series,” said Solomon Owoo, Interim CEO of OACAS. “This training is a real example of the ways we’re working with community partners across systems and sectors to broaden our impact and address the disparities and disproportionalities for Black children, youth, and families in Ontario.”
As of September 25, 2024, current foster caregivers can register for the course at www.myoacas.org or reach out to kujali@oacas.org for more information. Anyone interested in learning more about fostering in Ontario should visit www.theretocare.ca.
