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Michelle has been fostering for over 20 years. She brings many unique skills to the table, partly due to her career in special needs education.

When Kelli became a foster parent, she was worried about how she would relate to the families of the foster children. “You think of all the stereotypes,” she says.

Foster parents in normal circumstances go the extra mile; fostering during COVID-19 is even tougher.

Julie never really considered fostering, in part, because she has some health issues that she thought might get in the way. Then a friend of theirs became a foster parent, and they found out how rewarding it can be.

Through Youth Resilience Project funding, we are thrilled to continue to offer Youth Activities that are open to everyone. Please review the below information and share with all of your families and youth.

You may have noticed the rainbow flag at the entrances to the Family and Children’s Services of Waterloo Region offices. The rainbow flag is used as a symbol of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) pride and social movements.

To the Black families in our community, we are here to support you...

With schools and many daycares closed, there are fewer people keeping an eye out for vulnerable children, says Karen Spencer, executive director, Family and Children's Services of the Waterloo Region (Rick Gibbs/CBC)

Children rely on their parents to care for them and keep them safe. During a pandemic, this may be at risk: if parents are unable to look after their children because they are ill, the community will need to provide resources and supports.

This is a list of current resources available to families and children through the Federal and Provincial Governments.

Older Youth in care face a number of challenges even without a pandemic. They often worry about making the transition to living independently when they “age out” of care, and having ongoing supportive relationships with adults.

Waterloo Region is an increasingly diverse community. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for
sensitivity and an awareness of human rights in our decisions and actions is greater than ever.