Foster caregivers play an important role in supporting children, youth and families through challenging times. They provide a safe and caring home, while helping children and youth stay connected to the people, communities, cultures and identities that are important to them.
This Foster Family Appreciation Week, OACAS is taking the opportunity to recognize and honour the incredible contributions of foster caregivers and their families.
Foster care is more than providing a place to stay. Foster caregivers are part of a team working to support the well-being of children and youth and, whenever possible, help them safely reconnect with their families and communities.
“During a difficult time in a child’s life, the everyday moments of kindness, patience and encouragement can make an enormous difference,” says Solomon Owoo, CEO of OACAS. “To foster caregivers and their families across Ontario: thank you for welcoming children and youth into your homes and helping them feel valued, supported and connected.”
To every foster caregiver: thank you for being there to care. Your care makes a difference.
Foster caregivers come from various backgrounds, and they bring different cultures, identities, experiences and strengths to their caregiving.
Finding the right home for a child or youth matters. Every child and youth deserves to feel safe, supported and connected to who they are and where they come from.
Want to learn more about fostering?
There are many ways to be there to care.
Learn more about fostering and find your local child welfare agency through OACAS’s There to Care campaign.
Already a foster caregiver?
Foster caregivers are supported by child welfare professionals throughout their fostering journey. Once approved, caregivers receive ongoing training and development, and child welfare staff meet regularly with caregivers to discuss the needs of the children and youth in their care and the support they need.
For agency-specific questions or support, contact your local Children’s Aid Society or Indigenous Child and Family Well-Being Agency.
This week, and every week, we thank you.
To foster families across Ontario: thank you for the care, patience, compassion and commitment you bring to the lives of children, youth and families.
Thank you for being there for the everyday moments, the difficult moments, the milestones and the transitions.
Thank you for being there to care.
