Local Foster Support Groups

The FPSS Foster Parent Support Services Society will provide opportunities for foster parents to network through the development, organization and scheduling of Peer Support Groups, which are meaningful and effective, and best meet the needs of foster parents in the region.

Experienced foster parents are often in the best position to provide support, and share information with other caregivers. They are familiar with Ministry expectations, standards, and guidelines. They encourage and promote Ministry accepted caregiving practises. Experienced foster parents readily communicate their knowledge, problem-solving skills, and ideas with their peers and colleagues.

Peer Support Groups provide foster parents with an excellent opportunity to network in a comfortable, relaxed, and supportive venue in which they are encouraged to share ideas and information, discuss minor problems and concerns, exchange experiences and coping strategies, and simply enjoy a pleasent break for an hour or two in the company of peers.

Peer Support Groups are an excellent opportunity for participants to meet a mentor with whom they feel comfortable. Mentors are experienced foster parents, who are trained to offer support and assistance to new caregivers. They are empathetic, well-informed individuals who make themselves available to offer suggestions, identify problem areas or gaps in information, and generally assist the less-experienced caregivers in their new role.

Foster parents do not (and indeed they should not) enjoy the luxury of discussing their placements with friends and/or family. Foster parents are required to respect and protect the child's (and the child's biological family's) privacy. Non-foster parents are unlikely to appreciate the situtation, and may incorrectly judge the caregiver and/or the the child, and/or the child's biological family. However, when they are in the company of other foster parents they can share their experiences, difficulties, challenges, successes and triumphs without breaching the privacy or confidentiality of the child or his/her biological family. Other foster parents are very likely to be more understanding, empathetic, appreciative and helpful. This creates a very supportive, non-threatening atmosphere for foster parents.