The CIUSSS de l’Estrie – CHUS is putting out a call for foster families in the region, inviting anyone who might be interested in welcoming a child into their family to an information meeting on November 25. The call is part of a province-wide recruitment campaign and has a target of 200 new families, 50 of which would be for children or youth with intellectual or physical impairments.
Anyone interested in participating in the information session must register in advance by calling 819 346-8471, extension 58456, option 4, or emailing contratsrirtfrni.ciussse-chus@ssss.gouv.qc.ca
According to the public health department, anyone wishing to foster must be single, in a couple, or in a regular or single-parent family; must be 18 years of age or older; must be a Canadian citizen; must not have a criminal record or be the subject of a complaint in relation to the abilities and behaviour required to be a foster (applies to all adults living under the same roof as the applicant); must have sufficient space to welcome a child and a living environment which complies with safety, hygiene and comfort standards; must be physically and psychologically fit; and must have the aptitudes and ability to provide assistance and support services.
The foster family program focuses on trying to return children to their natural family environment as soon as possible, but stays have been known to vary from lengths of a few months to the time it takes for the child to reach the age of majority. Being a foster family means treating the child like a family member, while also being ready to cooperate with the child’s natural parents. It means added responsibility and a significant change in lifestyle.
Children or teenagers placed in a foster family are children between the age of 0 to 17 years old who may have family problems, behavioural disorders, or a physical or intellectual disability.
Sometimes, parents recognize that they are having difficulty meeting their child’s needs and agree to place them in another family’s care. Sometimes, a social worker recommends to the court that a child should be removed from his family environment and placed in another family’s care.
All children or teenagers who are placed with a foster family are followed by a psychosocial support worker from a public institution.
More information on the requirements and process to become a foster parent is available in English on the website of the local public health department at www.santeestrie.qc.ca/en/care-services/themes/famille-parent-enfant/foster-families/
Foster families sought
Record Staff