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“Right now there are more than 1,000 kids across B.C. who need temporary foster families when they can’t live at home.  Many of these children and teens come from hard places, however fostering can have a huge positive impact on their lives.” –BC Foster Parents

Drake Medox College’s Community Support Worker students recently attended an information session to learn more about Foster Parenting with MCFD (Ministry of Children and Family Development).

It was an opportunity for the students to consider opening their “hearts and homes” to individuals in need of support and care. The infants, children, and youth could be in the system for various reasons. They may be in “Volunteer Care Agreement”, removed from the family, or the family just needs extra support.

It was exciting to find that the 12 modules being taught in CSW program equip the students to provide this support/care in their own homes! For example, students learn about: ADHD, FASD, Developmental Diversabilities, Behaviour Challenges, Mental Health, Dual Diagnosis, Sexualized Behaviours, Aggressiveness, and Attachment Disorder.  All of these are mentioned in the “Prospective Foster Parent” application. The more the applicant understands these issues, the more likely they will be considered for fostering.

This information session was very rewarding because it highlighted that what students are learning in class is very much aligned with what is expected of them in the community. This information session opened up another avenue for students to consider once they complete the CSW program.

If anyone is interested in more information on becoming a Foster Parent they are encouraged to contact CSW program instructor Taranjeet at 604 629-0196, or to do some research on line through MCFD or BC Foster Parents websites.