In Alberta, October is recognized as a month to appreciate our Foster and Kinship Caregivers for their commitment to going above and beyond in meeting the needs of the children placed in their care.

Wood’s Homes Family Support Network is honored to support and recognize 27 dedicated kinship homes in 2020.

All of our kinship homes are located throughout Calgary and area, including the communities of Airdrie, Chestermere, Strathmore and Makepeace.

In our eyes, the individuals who operate these homes are called Kinship Caregivers – but to our clients, they’re the grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins and family friends who were involved in their lives prior to Children’s Services involvement. The children in kinship care range from six months to 16 years, and many kinship homes have taken in sibling groups to ensure families stay together.

Our kinship caregivers work extremely hard to provide love and a safe environment to children. They participate in intensive training, meet with the case team regularly, attend to medical and school appointments, and truly incorporate these children into their family and daily lives.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought additional challenges and stressors to our kinship homes, such as:

• Taking on the task of homeschooling
• Making difficult decisions around attending school, daycare or recreational activities
• Contending with additional risks by having children attend in-person visits with their parents

Our kinship caregivers have demonstrated resiliency, compassion and empathy while navigating these difficult times. They continue to strive to provide the best care they can to our kinship kids, while prioritizing the health and safety of the family unit.

This month we celebrate our hard-working and dedicated kinship caregivers! We are thankful and proud to be alongside them on their kinship journey.

---

Click here for a message from Alberta Children’s Services Minister Rebecca Schulz regarding Foster and Kinship Caregiver Appreciation Month.