Foster families across Ontario provide critical support to children, youth, and families in their communities. They not only provide homes for children and youth when they cannot remain with their primary caregivers and kin or alternate care placements are not available, but they also facilitate connections and reunification with their families and communities.
During National Foster Family Appreciation Week, OACAS and our member children’s aid societies and Indigenous Child and Family Well-Being Agencies (child welfare agencies) acknowledge the invaluable contributions of foster families across the province.
“We are grateful for all that foster families in Ontario do to support the well-being of children and youth, and their families,” said Solomon Owoo, CEO of OACAS. “They are caring community members who play a vital role and have a profound impact on children, youth, families, and their communities. This week, in particular, we want to make sure they feel seen for the incredible contributions they make and the real, tangible support they provide to their community and the children and youth in their homes.”
We also want to remind Ontarians that child welfare agencies are looking for additional compassionate individuals and families to step up as caregivers. Earlier this year, OACAS launched the There to Care campaign to address the critical shortage of foster homes across Ontario. With a staggering 33.6% decrease in available foster homes since 2020, the demand for these compassionate individuals and families has never been higher.
In Ontario, finding suitable placements that match the unique identities and needs of children and youth is paramount. Child welfare agencies strive to match foster caregivers based on their experience and the needs and identities of children and youth, including race, ethnicity, language, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. There is an urgent need for placements supporting sibling groups, older children and youth, infants, and those with complex needs.
Join us in this critical effort to provide a supportive and nurturing environment for children and youth in Ontario. Make a positive impact on the lives of children, youth, families, and communities involved with child welfare agencies. Your community needs inclusive and diverse caregivers now more than ever. Find out how you can be there to care, at theretocare.ca. And to all those existing foster families, thank you for being there to care. This week, we honour you.
