A new awareness campaign called Just Like You encourages more central Albertans to become foster parents and provide loving homes for children and youth in care.
With a recent decrease in the number of foster parents, the Alberta government is raising awareness of the need for more people who are willing to welcome a child or teen into their homes.
The hope is to create 100 additional foster placements over the next year.
The more homes there are, the more likely these kids can stay in their communities and not be separated from their siblings. Staying connected to sources of support helps maintain their well-being and helps them thrive, said Mickey Amery, Minister of Alberta Children’s Services.
“I have heard from children in care about what a huge difference one person or one family can make. By becoming a foster parent, you could make a positive change that impacts a child’s life, and in turn future generations,” Amery added.
Foster parents can be single or have a partner, be in their 20s, middle-aged or a senior, be in the midst of raising their own children, not have any children or be an empty nester. They can live in the city, a small town or in the country.
Albertans with specialized medical training are encouraged to become foster parents because their knowledge and skills can help children in care who have medical issues.
Part-time or respite foster parents are also needed so that full-time caregivers can recharge.
Melissa Jones, executive director, Alberta Foster and Kinship Association, who grew up with foster siblings said, “The connection foster parents build with foster children often lasts a lifetime, with many caregivers hearing from their foster children for years to come… That demonstrates how powerful the bond and impact is.”
Interested Albertans can learn more by calling 1-844-957-0552 or emailing fostercaregiving@gov.ab.ca.
