October 5, 2015
St.Amant is recruiting emergency foster care providers to provide short-term foster beds for youth aged 8-17 with developmental disabilities to aid the province’s commitment to end hotel stays for youth. The goal is to find nurturing foster providers who can best meet the spiritual and cultural needs of Aboriginal youth needing temporary stays.
“The role of a foster care provider is to offer emotional support and a stable nurturing environment,” said Dana Hope, Director of St.Amant’s Community Services.
Children with disabilities who require emergency foster care come from all backgrounds and have many reasons for support. The foster care providers will create a better future for children who need it most, by providing a safe, warm, temporary home. Twenty-two percent of the people St.Amant supports are Aboriginal.
“These temporary stays from one week to six months are critical so that we can meet the unique needs of the child during a critical time, a time when they are in transition and need stability and support more than ever,” said Hope. “The foster parents will work with a multidisciplinary team, including clinical, respite and support workers to provide the individuals care that is needed for each child.”
Families receive mandatory foster care training and additional training deemed pertinent to the youth’s specific needs. Those interested in becoming an emergency foster care provider can visit www.stamant.ca/fostercare for more information on how to apply.
