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‘High need’ for foster parents in Nanaimo region

Oct 1, 2017 | 4:46 PM

NANAIMO — A new generation of foster parents are sorely needed in Nanaimo for vulnerable children in dire need of transitional housing.

Nanaimo based Ministry of Children and Families (MCFD) recruitment officer Suzanne Jones told NanaimoNewsNOW a focused campaign since January was designed to bolster the foster parent numbers in the Nanaimo region.

She said while there has been “some inroads” much more help is required to better match parents with children.

“It’s very important that our kids stay within our community in order to maintain their connections,” Jones said. “When we have to move them out of community we’re not doing them a proper service.”

Jones noted there are 122 active foster homes where 367 children live in the Nanaimo area.

She said foster parent numbers, as well as those who adopt, are thinning in the Nanaimo region and across B.C. She said caregivers for children moving or retiring are concerning trends, as is a continued trajectory of fewer stay-at-home parents and rising housing costs.

Jones said the MCFD is looking for caring, empathetic people to help care for children in need of a good home. She said being a foster parent is a rewarding and challenging job requiring patience.

“You can’t necessarily take it personally when the behaviours are happening but be able to approach it with the understanding there is more to this behaviour than (what) meets the eye.”

Jones said foster parents are subsidized more than $800 a month from the province, which goes higher depending on the age and challenges of the children being cared for.

Brenda Nicholson, central island coordinator for the Foster Parents Support Services Society, said their organization ensures parents are not on their own.

She said mentoring and ongoing training are provided.

“We also recognize networking events just for foster parents so they can get together have coffee, debrief get some support and we also have events for families that we also put on as well.”

Nicholson can speak from experience — she has adopted four children and fostered two others.

She said all children in need of care have endured traumatic experiences, which is why it’s critical to be patient and supportive during hard times.

“It looks so different (trauma) for each child and it can be heartbreaking to watch but as they thrive and flourish and their family is getting ready to have them come back home, it can be amazing to watch.”

 

Upcoming MCFD foster parent information sessions in Nanaimo:

Wed, Oct. 4 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Wed, Oct. 18 3-4 p.m.

Thurs, Oct. 19 6-7 p.m.

Wed, Nov. 1 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Wed, Nov. 15 3-4 p.m.

Thurs, Nov. 16 6-7 p.m.

All sessions held at the MCFD office at #101, 488 Albert St.

 

ian@NanaimoNewsNOW.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes