At least 10 more foster care families are needed by the DCFS
“We need more foster care parents.”
That’s the urgent message from Tinée Furbert, Minister of Youth, Social Development, and Seniors.
Speaking today, she revealed that the Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS) currently has 56 foster care families, but there is a need for 10 to 12 more. These families would need to be able to care for children of all ages, from birth to teenagers, including those with special needs.
Minister Furbert stated, “While we are pleased and thankful for the current pool of foster care parents who are to be commended for the role that they play in providing stability to our foster children, we must vehemently express our plea – We Need More Foster Care Parents!”
“Foster Care Parents open their hearts and their homes by taking in children who need nurturing, guidance and love. These children have different experiences and need care for a variety of reasons,” she continued. “Foster Care Parents fill that gap with the ongoing support of the Department of Child & Family Services.”
This plea comes during Foster Care Month, a time dedicated to honouring Bermuda’s foster care parents through events such as the Annual Foster Parents Appreciation Tea, held this past weekend.
The month-long observation also involves recruitment activities organised by the DCFS’ Foster Care Team.
During this morning’s sitting of the House of Assembly, Minister Furbert took the opportunity to thank the current foster parents, acknowledging their selfless contributions and encouraged others in the community to consider stepping forward.
“Mr. Speaker, I close by stating that our children, vulnerable for many reasons, need us. The Ministry of Youth, Social Development & Seniors takes this time on behalf of all of the children in foster care to thank those individuals and families who have opened their homes and have given of themselves to make a difference in the lives of children. We encourage more people within our community to become foster care parents. This will help the Department of Child & Family Services in its efforts to provide caring, safe, nurturing homes for children when their families are unable to care for them.”
