The Family and Children’s Services of Renfrew County is a multi-service agency dedicated to protecting children and youth, delivering developmental services for individuals of all ages, and offering programs that strengthen families and support healthy relationships and lifelong learning.
myFM recently caught up with Keshia Veenstra at the Pembroke Community Expo to discuss the importance of foster parent awareness in the Ottawa Valley.
Veenstra claims that she feels as though many people have trepidation about become foster parents because of a number of what she calls “myths”. Some believe they are too old; others don’t think their living arrangement is conducive to fostering a child but many , she claims, simply don’t know the basics of what it takes and the overall benefits.
“It’s a conversation that we need to initiate with anyone who is even mildly interested in becoming a foster parent because in those chats a lot of information can really be shared clearing up many of these misconceptions,” says Veenstra.
One of the most prevalent myths is that only small children are in need of foster care. In fact, she says, more and more teenagers and above are in dire need of guidance of a different kind as they progress in life.
Volunteers are always welcome to assist with everything from tutoring to planning events.
If you or someone you know is interested in learning more, please call 1-800-267-5878 or online at inquiries@fcsrenfrew.on.ca
(Written By: Richard Evans)