Foster parents needed across the Lakeland

LAKELAND – McMan Foster Care is seeking new foster parents in the Lakeland region, to ensure that foster children in the area can stay within their communities.

Corie Entrop, program manager for the Foster Care Program, says there is a crisis for foster care beds in the province, and that children are having to be relocated.

"Our hope is that children in the Lakeland area can stay in their schools and keep the connections to family and friends. There is trauma every time a child has to move, change schools, make new connections. We want to ensure that we can keep them safe in their own community," said Entrop.

McMan has four foster families in the Lakeland area already, but they need to find a minimum of another eight families. Each family can foster up to two children when they start their foster care journey, and must have adequate space in their homes.

McMan staff have been advertising and attending events in Lakeland, including the recent job fair put on by the Bonnyville Chamber of Commerce, in order to recruit foster families. They will also be attending the upcoming Festival of Trees in Bonnyville.

According to the Government of Alberta Child Intervention Information and Statistics – 2024-25 Second Quarter (September) Update, 8,937 children and youth were receiving child intervention services, with 7,523 of those children and youth receiving services in care. 33% of those children and youth were placed in Foster care, and 33% were placed in Kinship care.

"Our hope is that the families we recruit will be able to connect and support one another. McMan also will have a dedicated foster care worker who would visit them monthly and be available for phone calls and emails. We also have 24/7 on-call staff to support families," said Entrop.

Entrop said they need caring, loving, and open-minded families who are willing to open their hearts and homes to children in need.

"What's great is that just about anyone can foster. Single people, retirees, people who rent their homes, people who work, and we welcome (and encourage) same-sex couples or people who are allies to the 2SLGBTQ+ community," said Entrop.

Entrop said there is a lot of support and training to help foster parents, including a mandatory online training course.

A home study is conducted and then a licensing inspection, and during this process McMan provides support ensuring that prospective foster parents are ready for each step.

After foster parents are licensed, children can be placed with them. Entrop explains that the process to foster is the same for anyone living in Alberta, as it is legislated through Children and Family Services.

"We provide on-going teaching and support. There is provincial training that is very helpful for working with children. Their McMan foster care worker would also provide one on one guidance and training," said Entrop.

Families interested in applying must be culturally sensitive to the needs of Indigenous children and be able to attend celebrations and incorporate cultural practices in their home.

Foster parents are paid as caregivers for the children, and they have access to support like day care. Foster parents can choose what age group works best for them.

Entrop explained that McMan has been providing foster care services for over 30 years, and that they can help guide new families through the entire process.

"We would love to discuss eligibility with anyone who is interested," said Entrop. "Call or send us an email. We can explain the process and answer all of your questions."