November 21, 2024, VOL. 6 ISSUE 6 

FACS Niagara invites potential foster parents to an information session in December

As the holiday season approaches, many individuals and families look for ways to give back to their community. This year, Family and Children’s Services (FACS) Niagara is encouraging people to make a meaningful impact by considering becoming a foster family.

Foster families are essential in providing a safe and nurturing environment for children and youth in care on a temporary basis. These families help children heal, grow, and thrive during difficult times. With an ongoing need to make sure they have families to provide care for children, FACS Niagara is inviting people interested in learning about becoming a foster parent to attend an upcoming information session in Fort Erie.

The information sessions are an informal way for individuals to take the first step in their fostering journey, with no commitment required. Attendees will hear a presentation from the FACS team and have the chance to ask questions and discuss their thoughts.

“Fostering a child who is not biologically related is a big decision for anyone,” says Brett Sweeney, director of communications and community engagement. “This session is designed to ensure that prospective foster families feel comfortable making their decision so children in Niagara can receive the loving, temporary care they need.”

While the presentation provides a wealth of information, Sweeney emphasizes that the real value of the session often comes from the personal conversations and relationship-building that take place afterwards. “People often tell us that these discussions are the most important part of the initial process,” he adds.

FACS Niagara has been making a positive difference in the lives of children, youth, and families in Niagara for over a century. As a multi-service agency providing child welfare services, fostering and adoption, counselling, and childcare, the team at FACS Niagara works to keep children safe and families strong.

The agency’s primary work and goal is supporting families in their own home and more than 95 per cent of children they support remain with their families. However, when additional support is needed, foster care becomes an essential option.

“Three-quarters of the young people who come into care return to their own communities in about three months,” says Sweeney. “This is the goal of our foster homes – helping provide temporary love and care while the family receives the support they need.”

FACS emphasizes the importance of a diverse community of foster families to better reflect the wide range of backgrounds, cultures, faiths, and ethnicities of the children in care.

“Our foster parents come from all walks of life – singles, couples, people of different ages, cultures, orientations, and identities,” says Michelle Bernard, director of child welfare at FACS Niagara. “Children and youth needing a loving home are just as unique, so we encourage anyone interested in fostering to join us for our information night to hear about the rewarding experience.”

FACS works closely with foster families to understand their lifestyles, preferences, and interests, ensuring a good match with the children placed in their care. Whether a foster parent prefers caring for younger children, guiding them through their first words and milestones, or enjoys working with teens, helping them with homework and extracurricular activities, FACS helps find the right fit. This may also include providing short-term respite for existing foster parents. Foster parents always have the final decision about whether to welcome a child into their home.

“Our team is dedicated to ensuring that our foster parents feel confident and supported in their journey, every step of the way,” says Anna Bozza, executive director of FACS Niagara. “We’re here to provide guidance, support, and resources throughout the fostering journey.”

“Choosing to become a foster parent is really a family situation where you’re bringing someone new into your home and we want it to be a positive and rewarding experience for both the parent and the children,” says Sweeney.

FACS urges people to use this information session to learn, ask questions, and speak with members of the team.

The information session will take place on Dec. 4 at 5:30p.m. at the Fort Erie Public Library – Centennial Branch. People interested in attending are invited to preregister at: https://www.facsniagara.on.ca/our-services/fosteringinformation/