New foster homes are needed in the North Okanagan. In the past year several foster parents have retired from fostering, or moved on to other challenges, so Okanagan Foster Parents Association (OFPA) is working to increase the current number of foster families.
Information sessions will be held today for adults interested in making a difference in their community through fostering.
“Most foster parents are ordinary people who care about children and youth,” says Noelle Typusiak, foster parent coordinator in the Vernon area. “They come to fostering with a desire to help, and then develop skills to meet the children’s needs.”
OFPA and the Ministry of Children and Family Development work together to provide foster families with training and support.
There are approximately 200 children and youth in foster care in the Vernon area, which includes Armstrong, Falkland and Lumby. Children come into foster care for many different reasons, but all need a safe, loving home. Most children stay only for a short time, while others may stay for years, or move on to adoption. Some children need respite care: a surrogate aunt or uncle who will care for them for a weekend or two every month.
Children might also have exceptional medical or behavioural needs that require experienced caregivers with specialized skills.
“Young adults, with training related to children, become excellent foster parents,” said Typusiak. “Those who retire from jobs in education, child care or the medical field also find fostering is a good way to use their experience in a way that meets their new life style.”
Foster parents are needed in all areas, both rural and urban. They can be any age; be single or married; have their own children, have no children, or have grown children.
Foster parents care for children of all ages, from birth to 18. There is need for foster parents who will care for one child, as well as for foster parents who have room for family groups of three or more. Foster parents decide what kind of service they want to provide, based on their skills, lifestyle and the needs of their family.
Anyone interested in fostering is invited to learn more by attending an information session. Those who attend an information session will be invited to attend preservice orientation for foster parents at the end of January. For six evenings participants will learn how to meet the needs of children who come into foster care and how the foster care system works. When these classes are completed they may apply to become foster parents.
Information sessions will be today from 1 to 2:30 p.m. and again from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the People Place. If you have questions contact OFPA at 250-558-0939 or noksupport@okfosterparents.ca
