Honouring Those Who Make a Difference in the Lives of Children and Youth
National Foster Family Week which runs from October 21 to 27, 2012, is a time for Children’s Aid Societies to recognize foster and kin families for their dedication, love and commitment to children and youth in our care. Highland Shores Children’s Aid will honour the invaluable role played by its close to 238 foster and kin families who “open their hearts and homes” to young people in need. The special week also provides an opportunity to bring attention to children and youth living in foster care in Hastings and Northumberland counties.
Foster and kin parents work closely with Highland Shores Children’s Aid to provide temporary care of children and teens who often have complex needs. They provide a nurturing and supportive environment for a few days, weeks, months or possibly years. Foster Parents also prepare children for reunification with their biological families or for a permanent home with an adoptive family. These families are the backbone of child protection work.
“We want every child or youth to have the chance to benefit from a loving family home and our first choice is always for a young person to remain with their family, if it is safe for them to do so. At Highland Shores Children’s Aid, we provide many services and parenting supports to families to help them stay together. Unfortunately, there are times when, due to abuse or neglect, children and youth are removed from their home. This is the time when our caring foster and kin families help to provide a safe harbour for these young people. We are extremely fortunate to have such a group of committed families working on behalf of those we serve”, said Mark Kartusch, Executive Director of Highland Shores Children’s Aid.
“Our foster parents come from a diversity of cultures, religions and lifestyles. However, they all share in their belief that every young person can benefit from, and deserves, a positive family environment”, said Dwayne Stacey, Acting Manager, Resources for HSCA.
The Society will honour its foster and kin parents in North and South Hastings and its foster, kin parents and volunteers in Northumberland with appreciation and awards dinners. The events will take place on October 19th in North and South Hastings and on October 23rd in Northumberland.
