Making A Difference For Kids On Family Day

To view the Social Media Release, click here: http://smr.newswire.ca/en/childrens-aid-society-of-ottawa/foster-a-snow-angel

OTTAWA, Feb. 23 /PRNewswire/ - On Ontario Family Day families braved the bitter cold to make colourful snow angels on Parliament Hill. Each snow angel represents a child in care, or future children in care of a Children's Aid Society in Eastern Ontario that is 'waiting' for a family today or may need a family tomorrow. 'Waiting' is not in the literally sense, but rather a notion that due to a limited number of foster families currently available, some children and youth may be with families that are challenged to meet their specific needs. Also, youth currently in group care, may not get the chance to experience family based care due to the shortage of foster homes. On any given day, we have 1,100 foster families for 3,200 children in care in Eastern Ontario.

We're always going to need families; unfortunately there will always be children and youth who must come into care, each with their own individual needs. We need the opportunity and the option to place them with a family that best suits their needs. The children and youth in care are as diverse as the families we see today. It's important that we have a similar diversity in our population of foster parents to care for them.

This fun, family event is held each year to celebrate families, acknowledge the work of foster and adoptive families, and build the awareness of the need for more foster and adoptive families.

The adult population of Eastern Ontario is a little over 1 million. If 1% of that population came forward to become a family for children in care…all children in care would have the opportunity to connect with a family that can provide them with life changing experiences and long-lasting relationships. 

For more information on fostering and or adopting in Ottawa visit casott.on.ca. For information on fostering or adopting in Eastern Ontario, visit winningkids.ca.

SOURCE CHILDREN'S AID SOCIETY OF OTTAWA / SOCIETE DE L'AIDE A L'ENFANCE D'OTTAWA