Highland Shores is hoping to find more foster parents for the children in their care.
That’s what Jennifer Bishop, Resource Worker with Highland Shores Children’s Aid, is hoping to see happen. Highland Shores Children’s Aid currently has over 300 children in their care, Bishop says. They get calls from people who are concerned about a child’s well-being. “Highland Shores’ role is to go out and determine whether or not a child is at risk,” she says. Bishop continues, “we do everything that we can to ensure that the child is safe and can remain in the home.”
“We know kids do better in family based care and with families that we’re trying to recruit foster parents that are willing to support some of these youth so they can transition into a family home setting,” she says. Bishop says the needs of the children in their care range from abuse, neglect and trauma as well as medical, behavioural and emotion support needs.
Bishop says they are looking for foster parents. “We need to be sure that the individuals are the right fit for us and we’re the right fit for them and their family,” she says. She adds that Highland Shores are looking for people with a strong sense of commitment to children, that they will ensure the safety and well-being of the child, are honest, empathetic, caring and have a good sense of humour.
The adoption process is long, Bishop says. It starts with an inquiry visit where a safe assessment is done. It’s an in-depth assessment of a family and their ability to give a child a safe and caring home. Even after adoption, Bishop says they still keep tabs on the children and family. A resource worker is provided to make sure everything is going well and to provide support if needed.
If you’re interested in learning more about foster care, you’re being asked to call Highland Shores at 613-962-9291. Bishop recommends reaching out to people you may know who are foster parents to learn more as well.