News
Bill 183 - the Adoption Disclosure Act is currently under review of the Ontario Legislative Assembly's Social Policy Committee. Details to be posted ASAP

Ombudsman of Ontario released scathing report about the Ministry of Children and Youth Services.  More...

Vision

That every individual providing child welfare services across Canada do so in an ethical manner which respects the emotional well-being of the clients they work with and that those who fail to do so are held accountable.

Mission

To give children, youth and their family members who have been separated by child welfare authorities a voice, bring accountability to child welfare, provide support for anyone affected by the foster care system and to diseminate important foster care related information and resources for public education.

Background

If you read the content on this web site, and have doubts that people in a profession such as social work could possibly harm children, please remember the following CBC story:

"A provincial police investigation called Project Truth resulted in 114 charges against 15 men, including doctors, lawyers and Catholic priests, but only one person was convicted"

Every year, tens of thousands of children and youth across Canada are apprehended from their schools, day care centers, hospitals and homes by child welfare authorities for various reasons. They are taken into foster homes or group homes and are frequently not permitted to speak to their parents, siblings or extended family members for varying amounts of time. In some cases all  forms of communication between them is permanently terminated through Crown Wardship orders made by social workers and their supervisors.

It is important to note however that not all children and youth taken into foster care have been physically or sexually abused. A vast majority of them are apprehended because their parents have experienced temporary difficulties, such as financial or social problems and, in some cases, have voluntarily placed their children in foster care seeking temporary assistance during a time of crisis.

Regardless of the reasons families become separated by child welfare authorities, in many cases the children and youth who have been taken into foster care still hold a deep desire to maintain contact with their parents, brothers, sisters, grandparents and extended family members. They need to know that they are loved, and that they do in fact belong to a family.

Objectives

We will accomplish our mission by following the objectives outlined below.

  • Provide families separated by child welfare authorities with a web site to enable them to communicate with each other regarding the issues that affect their lives.
  • Create forms and manuals for families who are involved with or who may become involved with child welfare authorities.
  • Collect foster care and adoption related experiences and stories for publication in The Crown Ward newsletter and on the web site.
  • Develop and broadcast internet based Foster Care Radio to encourage open discussion on foster care issues.
  • Publish child welfare related complaints and their resolutions.

Our People

The Council is currently seeking volunteers to join our organization at various levels including simply supporting our work through memberships. We are also seeking individuals who would like to represent the Council in their own local area.



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John Dunn - Executive Director
 Jane Scharf - Advocacy
 Want To Get Involved?

What Does The Council Do?

The Council has initiated a few projects which we would like to enhance and expand upon with input from you during our Fall 2005 meeting. (See events page for details)

SUPPORT / WITNESS COMMITTEE: This project provides those who have a child protection worker scheduled to visit their home for an assessment interview with a support / witness volunteer to ensure that reports written by workers are accurate, and that any services that could be provided to the person are made known, and are then brought back to the Council for review and community networking to obtain the required services to increase the possibility of keeping the children with the family where appropriate.

COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE: The complaints committee is dedicated to assisting people in knowing the proper procedures during a complaints procedure for their region, and will provide support volunteers to attend along side the child protection client during their complaint process. We will also maintain both a database of complaints and solutions or lack there-of for research and educational purposes.

ADVOCACY COMMITTEE: The Foster Care Council of Canada would like to have a regional list of volunteers across the Country / Province who will team up with clients of child welfare organizations to provide advocacy services where possible.

FOSTER CARE RADIO (internet based) The Foster Care Council of Canada would like to start a regular Foster Care Radio show and make each show available for download or purchase on CD-ROM which will help to support the program, and other projects initiated by the Foster Care Council of Canada.

Funding

The Council currently has no regular funding source. We have however had some incredible support through various donations from several people and groups over the past few years which has been greatly appreciated.

Donations

The Council accepts donations from individuals and organizations who are interested in supporting our work. Please contact us to discuss making a donation or a contribution to the Council.
 
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