FACS Niagara hosting event at library to recruit foster families

With an ongoing need to make sure they have families to provide care for children, Family and Children’s Services (FACS) Niagara is inviting Fort Erie residents interested in learning about becoming foster parents to attend an upcoming information session.

Foster families are essential in providing a safe and nurturing environment for children and youth in care on a temporary basis, FACS said in a news release.

The session will be held at the Fort Erie Public Library’s centennial branch on December 4 at 5:30 p.m.

The information sessions are an informal way for individuals to take the first step in their fostering journey with no commitment required, FACS Niagara said in its news release.

Attendees will hear a presentation from the FACS team and have the chance to ask questions and discuss their thoughts.

“Fostering a child not biologically related is a big decision for anyone,” said Brett Sweeney, director of communications and community engagement for FACS Niagara.

“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,” he said.

While the presentation provides a wealth of information, Sweeney said 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 said.

FACS Niagara has played a role 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,” says the news release.

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.

But 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,” said Sweeney.

“This is the goal of our foster homes, helping provide temporary love and care while the family receives the support they need,” he added.

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,” said 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,” she added.

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, said FACS.

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

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

Those interested in attending next week’s event are invited to preregister at facsniagara.on.ca.

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