Do you have compassion for young people and feel you could be a strong and positive caregiver for children and youth in need? As many of our current foster parents approach retirement age, we need you to turn compassion into action and consider becoming a foster parent.

October is Foster Family Month in British Columbia, an opportunity to celebrate the selfless commitment of the province’s approximately 3,200 foster parents, and encourage others to step up and embrace this rewarding challenge. Every day, these dedicated families help close to 5,900 children and teens navigate the most challenging times of their young lives. The support, guidance, and positive influence these families provide can last a lifetime.

Foster families are part of an essential team working to safely re-unite children with parents, place them with extended family, or help them make the transition to adoption. Often the experience is so rewarding that foster parents make children in care a permanent part of their family - of all children in care who are adopted, approximately 39% are adopted by their foster family.While anyone 19 years or older can apply to become a foster parent, not everyone is suited to the task. Although it takes time, effort and patience - most of all it takes a real desire to make a difference in the lives of children and youth. If you have space in your heart and home for a child in need, please visit: www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/foster or call the Foster Line toll-free at 1 800 663-9999.

Quotes:

Stephanie Cadieux, Minister of Children and Family Development -

“Being a foster parent isn’t a job, it’s a calling. During Foster Family Month, I hope more British Columbians will heed that call and consider joining the ranks of the incredible foster parents already caring for infants, children and teens. On behalf of the government of British Columbia and all residents, I want to thank foster parents for their tireless dedication to children and the communities in which they live.”

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

Russell Pohl, president of the BC Federation of Foster Parent Associations -

“Those of us who foster know how difficult it can be. Preparing a baby, toddler, child or teen for a safe return to their family - or for adoption - is the most gratifying and at the same time heart-wrenching experience. To all foster parents in the province, I say don’t be so humble. Accept the thanks and appreciation coming your way. You deserve it.”

Stephen Kozey, executive director of the Federation of Aboriginal Foster Parents -

“We want to see the day where there will be no reason to remove a child from his or her family. But until that day comes, we are indebted to foster parents for all they do to provide food, shelter, a shoulder to cry on, an ear to listen, and someone to cheer our young people on and celebrate their achievements.”

Quick Facts:

• Foster family homes are the primary placement resource for children in care in B.C.
• These homes support children and teens who are unable to live with their traditional family for reasons of abuse, neglect, emergency or tragedy.
• The provincial government works in partnership with the BC Federation of Foster Parent Associations and the Federation of Aboriginal Foster Parents to provide vital support, encouragement and a voice for B.C.’s foster parents. These organizations also focus on public awareness, and the recruitment and retention of foster parents to help build the best system of care for B.C.’s children and youth.
• There is always a need for more foster families of all cultural, social and ethnic backgrounds so that children in care can maintain their cultural and community connections.
• More than 50% of children in care in B.C. are Aboriginal, yet only 15% of foster parents are Aboriginal. There is a need for more Aboriginal families to foster.
• 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 know or are related to their family.
• 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:

Foster Family Month in B.C information kits: www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/foster/ffm.htm

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

B.C. Federation of Foster Parent Associations: www.bcfosterparents.ca/

Federation of Aboriginal Foster Parents: www.fafp.ca

Media Contacts:

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