Métis Foster Parent Recruitment Campaign
Building Cultural Connectedness and Continuity by Keeping Métis Children in Métis Homes (Gardé no ptsi din mèzon Métis)
Supporting the welfare of Métis children and youth has been established as a top priority for the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO). There are currently many Métis children within the child welfare system who would benefit from the stability of a loving and compassionate household.
To help encourage and facilitate the placement of Métis children within Métis homes, the MNO is introducing a new campaign that focuses on building cultural connectedness and continuity for Métis children and prospective foster parents: Keeping Métis Children in Métis Homes or Gardé no ptsi din mèzon Métis.
Beginning October 1, the MNO is hosting virtual Métis Foster Parent Recruitment information sessions for interested Métis families. MNO citizens interested in opening their homes and learning more about becoming a foster parent are encouraged to attend.
*Please note: these sessions are specific to Regions 2-9 as the Northwestern Ontario Métis Community (Region 1) has completed engagement on the creation of a regional Child & Family Services Agency. Region 1 is taking a phased approach; beginning with a focus on Prevention work with children and families which may be followed by the development of Protection services. For more information contact Region 1 Councillor Theresa Stenlund.
The sessions will summarize Ontario’s current process and eligibility requirements for becoming a foster parent. Additionally, be aware that prospective foster parents will not be licensed by the MNO, but will need to apply to a local agency.
Topics to be addressed include:
- What is a foster home?
- Criteria for becoming a foster parent
- Process pathways
- Supports available for Foster Parents
We invite all MNO citizens to reach out to Melissa Gonzalez at: MelissaG@metisnation.org or call 226-376-5968 for more information or to RSVP for an information session.
Dates and times for the sessions in each MNO Region are listed below. Please note all times are Eastern Standard.
Region 2
- Oct 1 – 12:00 PM
- Oct 4 – 7:00 PM
REGION 3
- Nov 22 – 7:00 PM
- Nov 23 – 12:00 PM
REGION 4
- Nov 24 – 12:00 PM
- Nov 29 – 7:00 PM
REGION 5
- Dec 2 – 12:00 PM
- Dec 9 – 7:00 PM
REGION 6
- Oct 13 – 7:00 PM
- Oct 14 – 12:00 PM
REGION 7
- Oct 19 – 12:00 PM
- Oct 21 – 7:00 PM
REGION 8
- Oct 6 – 7:00 PM
- Oct 8 – 12:00 PM
REGION 9
- Oct 25 – 7:00 PM
- Nov 5 – 12:00 PM