KITCHENER -- Vulnerable children and youth in the community are facing a crisis.
That’s according to Family & Children’s Services of the Waterloo Region.
The agency says there are not enough local foster homes to meet their needs, and so many children and youth have to be sent to locations outside Waterloo Region.
As a result, these children are further away from their friends, family and schools.
Family & Children’s Services of the Waterloo Region says “this impacts children and youth of all ages, from newborn babies to teenagers, and we want this to stop.”
The agency is looking for local volunteers who are willing to care for these children.
"Foster parenting is temporary and our goal is always to have children turn return home whenever possible," said Executive Director Karen Spencer. "We want kids in Waterloo Region so that they can do that they can maintain relationships with friends and family."
They are also working to restart in-class training.
Anyone who is interested in helping out is asked to contact a Recruitment Worker at Family & Children’s Services of the Waterloo Region.
You can also find more information here.
FOSTERING MYTHS
Family & Children's Services of the Waterloo Region says there's a lot of misconceptions about fostering.
The groups says many people believe they can't foster if they're single or if both people are working, but that isn't the case.
Family & Children's Services also says there will be plenty of support for foster parents once a child is placed into their care, including financial aid for costs like school supplies and clothing.
A full list of fostering myths and realities can be found on the group's website.
