The Children’s Aid Society of Algoma is committed to protecting children and promoting their well-being by working collaboratively with children, families, and communities.
Whenever possible, this work is done in the home so the child or youth is able to remain with their family. But, in situations where the child is unable to safely remain in their own home, or have no parent or guardian available, they are placed in a safe and caring environment.
Keeping children safe is a community responsibility
Foster Families are Needed
Sometimes, keeping kids safe truly takes a village, and there is an urgent need for local families to provide caring homes. This could be through a Kinship placement with members of their extended family or family friends, a foster caregiver.
Every child and every caregiving family is unique, and Children’s Aid Society of Algoma staff work to ensure the placement meets the needs of the child and of the Kin, foster or adoptive family.
Supporting Caregivers
Even the most experienced parents will agree that providing a loving home for a child or teen can come with unique challenges. Many of the children who come to foster families have experienced some form of adverse situation and are in need of a stable environment where compassion, empathy, love, tolerance and humor are paramount and provide a place to begin to aid in building resilience.
To help facilitate a positive experience for both the child and their caregiving family, the Children’s Aid Society of Algoma provides a range of ongoing services, from dedicated staff and case workers, to supportive groups and community resources:
- Parenting Supports: There is a variety of parenting supports available, including Cluster Groups that focus on building parenting practices and behaviours. These can include positive discipline techniques, learning about child development, and developing positive play and relationships between children and caregivers through classes or other educational opportunities.
- Positive Parenting: Creating a nurturing environment that is based on mutual respect, where children feel safe and supported, and can grow into happy, responsible adults. The purpose of positive parenting and positive discipline is to teach children boundaries, values, and behaviour in a non-punitive way.
- Resources for Caregivers & Families: As a Foster, Kin or Adoptive family, you will have access to a valuable network of agencies within the community of Algoma that provide support to parents, caregivers and families.
Children and teens in our community deserve to feel safe, secure, valued and loved. If you have considered fostering a child and wonder if it’s the right time – the time is now.
Contact Children’s Aid Society of Algoma at 705-949-0162 extension 310, or you can email resourcefamilies@algomacas.org to learn more about the benefits of fostering a local child and the resources to help you along your caregiver journey.