CAS calls for caregivers

Thunder Bay - The Children's Aid Society of the District of Thunder Bay is looking for community members to provide alternative care.

The CAS held an alternative care information open house and job fair on Thursday.

Dana Leeder, service manager at the Children's Aid Society of the District of Thunder Bay, said alternative care, formally known as foster care, is quite different from what most people imagine.

"We are looking for people who can provide emergency respite services, full-time care, or part-time alternative care. We also place a strong emphasis on the home model, so we are looking for interested community caregivers who can live in homes we provide with rent and food subsidies."

Leeder said the open house was also intended to support families, regardless of what they are interested in. She added that the CAS has a spring program that provides a lot of support for caregivers, including assigning a resource worker to help them navigate challenges and successes.

She said, "(We) really just hope that those who are curious and have questions will come out to meet current alternative caregivers, and also ask some questions to our team to see what it would look like."

We are seeing a decrease in the number of caregivers across the province, Leeder said.

"(The reasons) are varied, and I think that's why our agency is working to grow and ensure we are meeting some new needs. For example, finding people willing to provide housing for some older teens and youth, offering them safety and guidance.

"I think there is also an older perception of foster care, and things are quite different now. These open house events provide an opportunity to answer those questions, because people may be curious and think it's something they have to do full-time, but that's not the case," she said.

Most people think alternative care is full-time, when in reality the CAS needs people to provide emergency care or respite care, she added, noting that emergency care is short-term care, while respite care is having someone come to your home every other weekend or once a month.

"We have held open houses before, and we will hold them regularly, so if you can't come on Thursday, please call the agency to contact our team members here."

Leeder said having caregivers in our community is very meaningful.

"I firmly believe that the children in our community are our future. There are other ways we can support young people, sometimes we need short-term support, sometimes we need long-term support, but I believe the work our mentoring parents do is absolutely crucial, and it is very meaningful and fulfilling.

She said, "Of course, I think anything you do when working with children comes with challenges, but the success and satisfaction gained in supporting youth is truly important and valuable."

Service manager Tamara Byrne said the CAS is looking for diverse community members who are passionate about working with children and youth and are willing to care for them in their homes.

"We have training and support, families are connected with a resource worker who will reach out and provide the support needed. There is also financial support. We have a spring team, which is an eclectic group of experienced, knowledgeable, and trained individuals within the organization who help with family therapeutic interventions," she said.

"This is a significant decision, and we encourage people to give us a call to get some information. There is no cost, and you may find that this is an opportunity you might enjoy."

The CAS has information on Instagram, Facebook, and its website. You can also call the CAS directly for information.

Source: https://www.tbnewswatch.com/local-news/cas-calls-for-caregivers-10122000