Foster carers needed across BC

Have you considered becoming a foster carer? Well, now could be your opportunity with a high need for more foster carers across British Columbia.

Julie Holmlund, on the board of directors with the BC Foster Parent Association says they’re always looking for that right fit.

“The demographic of kids coming into care has changed with Bill C-92 coming in where Indigenous children try and be placed with Indigenous family or people in their band, but there still are a lot of non-Indigenous kids that come into care and the need.” said Holmlund.

“I know when I’ve spoken with team leaders in the Kootenays, and they’ve had team leaders in other areas like Vancouver Island and other parts of the province phoning to see if we’ve got any spare beds so that they can transfer a child here because there is no place for them.”

“So, there’s always a great need for foster homes.”

There are currently 3,500 kids in care across British Columbia.

What does it take to become a foster carer?

It is a lifestyle change, not just for you and your family, but the person coming into your care, and a decision Holmlund says needs to be well-thought through.

“It’s certainly not for everyone.” said Holmlund.

“It can be a long process because they want to make sure they vet individuals and families that are in it for the long haul because these kids, when they come into care, they really do need a solid place to fall.”

“There is a pre-service training program that the ministry offers that is mandatory for any foster parent coming on board and once you’ve taken that and you become a foster parent through the rest of the process, which includes home inspections where you have a social worker come to your house over five different times and they discuss your home life and they discuss your past and your history, and they gather all the information about you and your family just to make sure that you’re in a good position to be able to assist these kids.”

“Once you become a foster parent there is an in-service training which can take about it’s anywhere from 75 to 100 hours online.”

And while it might sound like a lot, Holmlund says it’s worth it.

“You have to be quite committed, but it is probably the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done.”

If you are considering in become a foster care or if you would like more information, now is the time to start the conversation and see if it is right for you.

“There’s something for everybody if you’re committed and you’re interested.” said Holmlund. For more information contact the BC Foster Parents Association through their website.

– story done by Kate Brown, My Kootenay Now staff