Foster families take on one of society’s most important jobs by caring for young people when their natural families are in crisis.

This October, the 25th anniversary of Foster Family Month in British Columbia, please take the time to recognize and honour these very special caregivers and ask yourself whether fostering might be right for you.

Originally proclaimed as Foster Family Week in October 1990, Foster Family Month has grown to include community and regional events throughout the province. The occasion offers an opportunity to celebrate the selfless commitment of the more than 3,000 foster parents who are active throughout British Columbia and to encourage others to follow their example by embracing the challenges and rewards of fostering.

Every day, foster families help close to 5,300 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 reunite children with parents, place them with extended family, or help them make the transition to adoption or other long-term connections. 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 42% are adopted by their foster family.

There is always a need for more foster families of all cultural, social and ethnic backgrounds – especially as many of British Columbia’s current foster parents approach retirement age.

While anyone 19 years or older can apply to become a foster parent, not everyone is suited to the task. 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 call the Foster Line toll-free at 1 800 663-9999 or visit: www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/foster.

Quotes:

Stephanie Cadieux, Minister of Children and Family Development –

“I am always honoured and humbled when I have the opportunity to meet B.C.’s foster parents – many of whom have dedicated a lifetime to helping children and teens in need. These individuals and families serve as an inspiration to others on how to turn compassion into action and change a young person’s life for the better.”

Russell Pohl, president, BC Federation of Foster Parent Associations –

“On behalf of the BC Federation of Foster Parent Associations and our Board of Directors, thank you to all of BC’s amazing foster caregivers for opening your homes to children and youth in need! We are here to support you as you do the difficult work of making sure B.C.’s children and youth in government care have nurturing environments to grow up in. Congratulations on another year of making a monumental difference in our communities!”

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 (BCFFPA) to provide vital support, encouragement and a voice for B.C.’s foster parents. The BCFFPA 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.
• 60% of children in care in B.C. are Aboriginal compared to only 12% of B.C.’s foster parents. There is a need for more Aboriginal families willing to foster so that all children in care can maintain their cultural and community connections.
• 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? Call the Foster Line toll-free at 1 800 663-9999 or visit: www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/foster

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