Over 100 foster parents packed the golf club’s banquet hall here on Oct. 22 as Family and Children’s Services of Guelph and Wellington celebrated Foster Family Week and saluted those who care for needy kids.
The event was for the 117 sets of parents who foster children. There are currently 217 children in care in Guelph and Wellington.
Foster care support worker Kirk Jenkins said in an interview many of the children are not with their families due to abuse or neglect. Foster parents provide a temporary home for them, with the goal that some day they might be able to return to their homes if their families can sort out their problems.
“If they are not able to return, they could be adopted out,” Jenkins said, adding that there are other types of permanency so the children have a home.
“Sometimes it’s relatives of the family – or neighbours.
Jenkins said of those who help, “We have foster parents of all ages. Some are single. Some are same sex. We always need new foster parents. Some retire. Some move away.”
“I would like to thank all of our foster families for all of the work that they do with children in need”, said Susan Lapper, the Foster Care Supervisor at Family and Children’s Services.
“Our foster parents are ready to provide unconditional support and to share their families and lives with children from our community. Family and Children’s Services appreciates the time and energy that all of our foster families give.”
Foster families go through a detailed and standardized application and screening process and are required to attend training prior to becoming approved as a foster family. Once approved, foster families receive ongoing support from a Family and Children’s Services F&CS worker and some financial assistance once a child is placed in their home.
The agency has about 145 foster families, it works with, but not all could attend that night.
This year, Family and Children’s Services recognized three foster families for their 30, 20, and 15 years of fostering.
They are:
– Debbie and Robert Musselman, 30:
– Diane and Peter Rooyakkers, 20 years; and
– Arlene and Barry Dawn, 15 years.
The agency also recognized several people for 10 years of fostering: Ileen (Sam) Zuber, Barbara Brownell, Evelyn and Andy Knetsch, Rita and Silvio Attard, Diane Heaton and Colin Smith.
The agency recognized several others for five years of fostering: Lilas Meadus, Shona and Craig Hoekstra, Tammy and Roger Russell, Cathy Britton, and Joan and Tony Van Tol.
The Musselman family has had about 60 children living with them over 30 years, “give or take” said Robert Musselman in an interview.
Deb Musselman said, “I think it’s over 60. We didn’t keep track.”
They have two grown daughters.
“There’s been some good times,” Robert Musselman added. Just then Aston, whom the couple has formally adopted, came running to dad for a hug. The Musselman’s are currently fostering two other children, ages six months and eight months.
The little girl came in February and will be moved to a permanent home some time in November. The boy has been with them “a couple of months.”
The Musselmans hear from some of their foster children from time to time. One girl they had when she was 12 came to see them ten years later.
Another has phoned from time to time – over the past 25 years.
Robert Musselman said they once fostered handicapped twins as some relief for their mother. That lasted 1.5 years, and they are now 24.
“We still see them,” he said with a smile.
Anyone interested in caring for a child in the community can apply to become a foster parent.
For more information contact Jenkins at 519-824-2410 extension 234.
