There is a critical shortage of foster homes in Bruce and Grey counties.
Each month, as many as three children and youth in the area may need to be placed in foster care. There is a specific need for foster homes for teens and sibling groups of one to four children.
Bruce Grey Child and Family Services is appealing to the generous spirit of the community to help meet the needs of children and youth.
"We are struggling to meet the needs of youth aged 12 to 18 who may have some behavioral challenges due to their childhood experiences," says BGCFS Supervisor of Foster Home Recruitment and Placement Daria Pool. "Foster parents leave our service when they move out of the area, retire, or their home is filled through adoption. However, the demand for nurturing homes, especially for youth, keeps increasing."
There is an extensive training program for new applicants, and there is also a home assessment process that takes two to three months following training.
To learn more about what it takes to open your home to children and youth in need, there are three Information Nights planned:
KINCARDINE: Davidson Centre, Bruce Telecom Room –South Entrance, 601 Durham St. on Monday, April 3 at 7pm.
DUNDALK: Frank MacIntyre Building, 250 Owen Sound St. on Thursday, April 6 at 7pm.
HANOVER: Civic Centre (Saugeen Room) 443 10th Ave. on Tuesday, April 11 at 7pm.
For additional information, contact: Sarah Freeborn, BGCFS Recruitment Worker, at 519-372-2526 ext. 4545, email foster.adopt@bgcfs.ca or visit the website at www.bgcfs.ca.
Bruce Grey Child and Family Services has a goal of approving 25 new foster homes this year.