Attend an Upcoming Foster Caregiver Information Session
Centred Content
Centred Content
Durham CAS is Seeking Foster Caregivers to Join Our Team
This January and February we are hosting a series of foster caregiver information sessions. Join us to learn how you can provide safe, temporary care for children and youth, and support their families. Everyone is welcome to attend; we need foster caregivers that represent the diversity of our communities, from all cultural and religious backgrounds, from 2SLGBTQI+ communities, and who can share a variety of skills and experiences.
Centred Content
Upcoming Information Sessions
January 16, 2025 | 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. – Virtual Session | Click here to join
January 23, 2025 | 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. – Ajax Public Library (Main branch) 55 Harwood Ave. S., Ajax
January 30, 2025 | 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. – Pickering Public Library (Central branch) 1 The Esplanade S., Pickering
February 6, 2025 | 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. – Durham CAS office, 1320 Airport Blvd., Oshawa
February 13, 2025 | 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. – Clarington Library, Museums & Archives (Bowmanville branch) 163 Church St., Bowmanville
February 20, 2025 | 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. – Virtual Session | Click here to join
This session introduces attendees to the Durham Children’s Aid Society (CAS) and the critical need for foster caregivers in our community, including:
- About Durham CAS: What role does Durham CAS play in our community? Why children and youth enter care, their experiences, and the importance of trauma-informed care.
- What is Foster Care? Its purpose, types (e.g., emergency, short-term, respite), and who can become a caregiver.
- Role of Foster Caregivers: Providing a safe environment, collaborating with CAS staff, and supporting children, youth and family needs.
- Becoming a Foster Caregiver: Steps include application, background checks, training, and matching with children.
- Support Available: Financial assistance, ongoing training, peer networks, and access to resources.
- FAQs and Open Discussion: Addressing concerns, sharing real-life stories, and highlighting volunteer opportunities (e.g., drivers).
Centred Content
Frequently Asked Questions
Foster caregivers provide children and youth with a safe family setting during a time of crisis. Caregivers provide stability and a caring home, with the goal of reunification with their parents, families, and communities.
Yes, as a foster caregiver, you’re never alone. You’ll be assigned a resource worker and become part of our team to ensure the safety and well-being of children, youth and families.
Yes. Foster caregivers are diverse. They are single people and couples. They might be family or community members who work together to provide a home, including adult siblings or multi-generational caregivers.
Yes. The level of financial support varies based on the needs of the child or youth placed in the home, and the experience of the caregiver. We also provide other supports like mileage or training allowances.
Foster caregivers come from all cultural and religious backgrounds; they may identify as 2SLGBTQ+; family composition includes single, common-law, and married individuals; and families with or without children in the home.
What do other foster caregivers say?
“Your life will change for the better! The feeling of helping another person is amazing! I am a single 53-year-old and I knew I’d have no help day to day but it’s awesome and I’m so happy I went ahead with it.”
– Kathryn
“Just care for, love, listen and be there no matter what, stay consistent, engaged and you’ll do great!”
– Kathryn
“We are forever grateful for the continuous training and unwavering support provided by Durham CAS, as it empowers us to be the very best foster family we can be. Through ongoing education, we encompass the knowledge and skills needed to nurture the unique needs of each child, allowing us to provide an even more loving and understanding home.”
– Jennifer
“The best part of growing up in a family that fosters is the endless joy of making new friends who become like siblings. Each new foster child brings a unique perspective, exciting adventures, and an abundance of love to our home. It’s like having a built-in squad that never gets boring, and our family album is filled with the most epic memories and hilarious stories that will make you smile for a lifetime.”
– Jennifer
“Fostering can be incredibly rewarding, it also requires patience, flexibility, and a willingness to navigate complex emotions and situations. It’s important for potential foster parents to approach the process with an open heart and a commitment to advocating for the well-being of the children in their care.”
– Jennifer
Centred Content
Ready to Get Involved?
If you’re interested in learning more, join us at an upcoming session. Can’t attend in-person? Join us virtually or email us for more information.
Register Now for an info session and take the first step toward making a difference in your community. Walk-ins are welcome!
Contact Us:
Have questions? Email foster@durhamcas.ca or call 905.433.1551.
We look forward to meeting you!
Centred Content
If fostering isn’t right for you at this time, please share this message with your friends, family and colleagues.