Who Are Foster Caregivers?
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Foster caregivers are people who are committed to making a difference in the life of a child and their family. Foster caregivers provide a stable and supportive environment for children and youth who need a temporary family to live with while their parents work with our agency and community services to reestablish a safe home environment. The goal is to strengthen a child/youth’s family so they can return home as soon as possible.
Foster caregivers have a significant role in supporting the reintegration of children and youth back to their families. The ability to parent collaboratively with a child/youth’s parents is crucial for a healthy, safe return to family.
Foster caregivers come from a variety of backgrounds and can be single, living common-law, married, may identify as 2SLGBTQIA+, with or without children of their own. They range in age, cultural, ethnic, and religious backgrounds.
There are many reasons people decide to foster. For some there is a personal connection: they either knew someone who was in foster care as a child or perhaps know someone who is a foster caregiver. Often, people think about fostering for years before they find themselves in a position to take the next step. Sometimes, fostering presents itself when a child is known to a family and in need of a safe and stable home. Regardless of the reason, if you are able to open your home to learning how to support families to continue to grow and be a safe, cohesive unit, then your help is needed.
To foster for Durham Children’s Aid Society, you must live in Durham Region.
If you are interested in becoming a foster caregiver, please call us to learn more or email us at foster@durhamcas.ca.
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Responsibilities of a foster caregiver :
- Provide a safe, secure, and nurturing home for children coming into the temporary care of Durham Children’s Aid Society while the child’s parents work to resolve issues
- Help children maintain connection and relationship with their parents and people who are important to the child
- Support children and help them stay connected to their community, school, and family
- Participate in planning for their care
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Foster caregivers may be:
- Single adults, common-law or married couples, same-sex partners
- People without children
- Families just beginning to raise their own children
- ‘empty-nesters’
- Experienced parents or people who have never had children
- Adults who have professional skills or special childcare training
- Those working outside the home or stay-at-home adults
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Foster caregivers often:
- Like spending time with children and place high value on parenting
- Have an understanding of children, their development, and their needs
- Enjoy learning
- Have an optimistic and positive life view
- Are patient and consistent, yet able to meet new challenges with flexibility
- Work well as part of a team in support of the care of the child