OACAS initiative highlights critical shortage
Hamilton – Like many communities across the province, Hamilton Child and Family Supports (HCFS) is in urgent need of foster caregivers. To address this need, the Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies (OACAS) has developed the provincial ‘There to Care’ Campaign, an initiative that aims to underscore the vital role of foster caregivers, emphasizing their profound impact on children, youth families, and communities. By dispelling misconceptions and rallying community support, the campaign seeks to address the critical shortage of foster homes across Ontario.
Child welfare agencies, who are responsible for finding temporary homes for children and youth when they cannot stay with their primary caregivers or with kin, are facing a crisis. With a staggering 33.6% decrease in available foster homes since 2020, the safety and well-being of children, youth, and families is at risk. The demand for these compassionate individuals and families has never been higher.
“At HCFS, we need foster caregivers who represent all populations of the Hamilton community, specifically those from the Black, Indigenous, and LGBTQ2S+ communities,” says Sara Goff, Director, Permanency and Resources. “The goal is to have foster families who will work in partnership with the child/youth’s caregivers and family as part of a team to reunify the child/youth safely home.”
HCFS needs families who are flexible to provide care for any age of child or youth as well as sibling groups. Keeping siblings together when they come into care is a priority, and this is becoming increasingly challenging with the limited number of foster homes available.
The organization has a high need for foster caregivers for adolescents, and for children/youth with complex needs including mental health and behavioral needs. Adolescents need caregivers who can guide and mentor them to reach their goals.
Foster caregivers go beyond providing temporary homes; they also provide essential support in maintaining connections with extended family and community members for children and youth, while they are in care. In Ontario, finding suitable placements that match the unique identities and needs of children and youth is paramount. Child welfare agencies strive to match foster caregivers based on their experience and the needs and identities, including the cultural background, of the children and youth. There is an urgent need for placements supporting sibling groups, older children and youth, infants, and those with complex needs.
Join us in this critical effort to provide a supportive and nurturing environment for vulnerable children and youth. Your community needs you now more than ever. To learn more about how you can be there to care, please visit www.hamiltoncfs.ca or theretocare.ca.
About Hamilton Child and Family Supports
Hamilton Child and Family Supports in partnership with families and the community, is committed to the safety, protection, and well-being of children and the strengthening of families, while valuing diversity and promoting equity. HCFS focuses on supporting children and families through early help, keeping families together and engaging with the community and 99 percent of the work HCFS does is with families in their own home. Learn more at www.hamiltoncfs.ca.
About OACAS: The Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies (OACAS) is a provincial membership organization representing 47 of Ontario’s 50 mandated children’s aid societies and Indigenous Child and Family Well-Being Agencies, as well as 2 pre-mandated Indigenous Child and Family Well-Being Agencies. Learn more at https://www.oacas.org
For media inquiries contact:
Tracy MacIsaac
Communications and Development
tmacisaac@hamiltoncfs.ca
(905) 522-1121 ext. 6465
For foster care inquiries contact:
Sandra Chan
Resource Development
schan@hamiltoncfs.ca
(905) 522-1121 ext. 6602
