The high cost of living is taking its toll on some of societyB次元官网网址檚 most vulnerable members.
More than 1,000 children and youth on Vancouver Island are in desperate need of foster homes. But with the cost of homes going up across the region, the Foster Parent Support Services Society is having a hard time finding foster families.
B次元官网网址淚 think thereB次元官网网址檚 a lot of pressures to work outside the home,B次元官网网址� said Dan Malone, executive director of the society. Traditionally, he said, they would see a lot of families take in foster children while one parents is already home with kids.
Eva Vowles, education co-ordinator, added B次元官网网址渨eB次元官网网址檝e had foster families sell their homes to buy bigger homes to take in more kids.B次元官网网址�
But thatB次元官网网址檚 not something theyB次元官网网址檙e seeing much of lately.
With expenses forcing both parents to work, Malone thought that factor could be contributing to a shortage of homes. B次元官网网址淭hereB次元官网网址檚 [also] less and less people having extra rooms in their homes,B次元官网网址� he added.
And as a safety requirement, he noted families do need to have an extra bedroom for foster children they bring into their home.
Another reason people may not be signing up is the common misconception that to be a foster parent you need to be a stereotypical family in a large home. But thatB次元官网网址檚 not the case assured Vowles, adding they look at all sorts of diverse situations.
The provincial ministry of children and family development places foster children in the best homes based on that childB次元官网网址檚 or childrenB次元官网网址檚 specific needs. ThatB次元官网网址檚 why is so important to have a diverse range of options, Vowles said, adding it will increase the chances of finding that B次元官网网址渂est fit.B次元官网网址�
B次元官网网址淚f we can find the right home the first time it can help the child,B次元官网网址� she explained, noting itB次元官网网址檚 important to remember that while all stays vary in length, they are meant to be temporary and it is not the roadway to adoption. B次元官网网址淭he idea is to return them to a safe and healthy home B次元官网网址� often it works but sometimes it doesnB次元官网网址檛.B次元官网网址�
Malone noted to be a foster parent you need to be 19 years of age or older and able to provide a safe environment. But the most important factor is just being able to commit the time.
That time factor may be why the Foster Parent Support Services Society is also finding a desperate need for homes willing to take in babies.
While Malone noted they are always in need of homes for children of all ages, especially teens, he said there is an exceptional need for homes for babies. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 more than usual B次元官网网址� itB次元官网网址檚 across the board right now,B次元官网网址� he added.
B次元官网网址淪ometimes people are intimidated B次元官网网址� you just have to offer a warm, safe place,B次元官网网址� Vowles said. B次元官网网址淎 lot of people think about it for a long time B次元官网网址� [but] nowB次元官网网址檚 the time.B次元官网网址�
She added you just have to help one. B次元官网网址淚f youB次元官网网址檙e not ready or the timingB次元官网网址檚 not quite right for you, just spread the word.B次元官网网址�
Malone added itB次元官网网址檚 also important to remember that foster parents are not alone as there are lots of support networks in place. B次元官网网址淐ontact us and weB次元官网网址檒l get you out to an information session.B次元官网网址�
Information sessions are scheduled for June 6 from noon until 1 p.m. and June 20 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. To learn more go to fosterhope.ca or fpss.com. Or you can contact the Langford office directly by calling 778-430-5459.
Find the entire summer edition of West Shore Family online.
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