Every child and teen is unique and every young person deserves security, stability and a welcoming home. Each day, thousands of foster families help give young British Columbians who are unable to live with their own families a safe place where they can live, grow and thrive.

October is Foster Family Month in British Columbia to honour the care, compassion and commitment of the more than 3,100 foster families in the province who open their hearts and their homes to just over 5,250 vulnerable children and youth. Each year, appreciation events are held throughout the month to thank foster parents for supporting kids and their communities.

Foster parents can play an integral role in creating the foundation a child needs to become a confident adult, and their influence can last a lifetime. They are part of a team that helps children safely reunite with their parents, live with extended family or make the transition to an adoptive family.

Fostering enables children, teenagers and their families to come through some of the most challenging situations. By building on their strengths, fostering helps young people develop the resilience they need to reach their full potential.

The B.C. Federation of Foster Parent Associations and the Federation of Aboriginal Foster Parents offer support, encouragement and a voice for B.C.'s foster parents. In partnership with the B.C. government, the organizations focus on public awareness and recruitment and retention of foster parents to help build the best system of care for B.C.'s children and youth.

Quotes:

Stephanie Cadieux, Minister of Children and Family Development -

"Foster parents come from all walks of life. They bring different experiences to their role and they have different reasons for doing the work they do, yet they all share one very important thing: they are ordinary people engaged in extraordinary acts of kindness. We are grateful for the work they do every day to improve the lives of young British Columbians."

A video message marking Foster Family Month is available at: http://youtu.be/7OUj5OzRABk

Heather Bayes, president of the BC Federation of Foster Parent Associations -

"As foster parents, each day we offer love, support, and nurturing to the children and youth who come into our homes. Sometimes they stay for a little while and sometimes they stay until they come of age and we are able to support them into an independent life. The work we do is difficult and we love it! Celebrate with your community during Foster Family Month. Congratulations on your positive contributions to the lives of B.C. children."

Gary Mavis, executive director of the Federation of Aboriginal Foster Parents -

"We raise our hands up to all the caregivers for opening their hearts and their homes to our children. We value all that you do and give to our children to strengthen them and their families."

Quick Facts:

• Foster homes are the primary placement resource for children in care. B.C. has approximately 8,100 children and youth in its care. Of these, about 5,250 children and youth are placed with approximately 3,100 foster families throughout the province.
• Thirty-five per cent of the children in government care who are adopted are adopted by their foster family.
• There is always a need for more foster parents of all cultural, social and ethnic backgrounds so that children in care can maintain their cultural and community connections.
• Anyone, 19 years or older, who wants to share their home with a child in need can apply to become a foster parent.
• Foster parents must be in good physical and mental health. They receive training and undergo background, criminal record and reference checks. On average, the approval process takes three months.
• Once the approval process is successfully completed, new foster parents sign an agreement outlining their responsibilities and complete the 53-hour B.C. Foster Care Education Program within two years.
• There are different types of foster homes:
• Restricted foster parents care for children they are related to or know.
• Regular foster parents provide care for up to six children of varying ages and needs.
• Specialized foster parents provide care for children with more challenging behaviour or developmental needs.

Learn More:

There are plenty of ways to recognize and support foster parents who make communities stronger. For more information, visit: http://www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/foster/ffm.htm

Interested in fostering? Visit: www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/foster or call the toll-free Foster Line at 1 800 663-9999.

BC Federation of Foster Parent Associations: www.bcfosterparents.ca/

Federation of Aboriginal Foster Parents: www.fafp.ca

Contact:

Sheldon Johnson
Media Relations Manager
Ministry of Children and Family Development
250 356-1639