NEWS RELEASE
SIMCOE MUSKOKA FAMILY CONNEXIONS
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There is a significant need for foster caregivers in our local community.
When a child or youth is brought into temporary foster care and placed outside of their community there is a loss of family, friends, schoolmates, teachers, and everything that is familiar to them.
Foster care provides children and youth with a safe family setting during a time of crisis. In many situations, foster care can provide vital support that enables parents to address issues that are putting their children’s safety and well-being at risk. In most situations children placed in foster care are reunified with their families, once the families’ support system has been strengthened by CAS and community partners. In other situations, foster care can open doors to safety, permanency, and well-being for children whose parents are unable to meet their needs.
Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions launched the fosterconnexions.ca recruitment website a few years ago with a simplified, yet thorough application and recruitment process. The agency has multiplied strategies to increase their presence in hopes of recruiting foster caregivers in our local community.
Starting October 2022, they will partner with multiple restaurants in Simcoe and Muskoka to use branded coffee mugs carrying a QR code that will invite customers to learn more about fostering and the application process. Community members may also see sponsored ads on social media and advertising in hockey rinks at the Barrie East Bayfield Recreation Centre and the Bracebridge Arena on James Street.
Foster caregivers provide essential care and support to the children and youth in their homes. They are part of the team that supports young people in care, not only by providing a stable and caring home, but also by facilitating pathways to lifelong connections with family and community.
Foster caregivers are regular people like you, doing what’s needed to help kids, families and their community. Perfection is not the goal — but finding individuals or couples with a genuine interest in children and a sense of community responsibility is. Diversity is also seen as a strength and a need.
The caregivers we look for are as unique and diverse as the children and youth that need temporary care. The agency is seeking individuals from a variety of ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds, of any sexual orientation, speaking different languages and with a variety of experience.
Children needing temporary care should be immersed in their culture, with an understanding of their personal identities and with their primary language. Identities that are specifically needed are caregivers who are francophone, Métis, Black or of African descent and/or from the LGBT2SQ+ communities.
The role of a foster caregiver is such an important role for strengthening families and one where individuals can make a big difference in the lives of children, youth and families in our community. The agency provides the necessary resources to all foster caregivers and makes sure you never feel alone at any stage of the process. They also provide training and the support of a resource worker. By being a foster caregiver, you become part of a larger community and family.
Family Connexions encourages all community members living anywhere across Simcoe County and Muskoka to recognize their shared responsibility to ensure that families have supportive people to care for their children and youth when needed.
If you or anyone you know is interested in promoting our recruitment efforts, we invite you to reach out. Consider sharing this message through your network, business, and any other avenues.
If you’re interested in becoming a foster caregiver in our community, please visit the foster recruitment website at fosterconnexions.ca to learn more or call the foster recruitment line at 705-734-6777.
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