Family and Children’s Services Niagara will host a Foster Parent Information Night next
week for community members interested in fostering children and youth.

Foster families are an essential part of the work FACS Niagara does throughout the community. They
provide a safe, supportive environment to children and youth in care on a temporary basis, helping
them continue to grow and thrive. When families face significant challenges, foster parents provide
children with a loving home for a period of time, while FACS works to support the family with the goal of
reunification.

“We have an ongoing need for new families in Niagara to open their homes to a child by taking that first
step in their fostering journey,” says Anna Bozza, Executive Director of FACS Niagara. “Starting the
process of becoming a foster parent can bring up many questions, so our team will ensure that potential
foster parents feel confident and supported in their journey, every step of the way.”

The Foster Parent Information Night will include a presentation from the FACS Niagara team, along with
the opportunity for community members to meet with team members who support current foster
parents. The presentation will provide information about the fostering application process,
requirements for foster parents, and more.

“With Niagara being such a diverse community, each of our foster parents are so unique,” says Michelle
Bernard, Director of Child Welfare. “Our foster parents are couples or single people of all ages, and
those of various cultures, orientations and identities. Children and youth needing a loving home on a
temporary basis are just as unique, so we encourage anyone who is interested in fostering to join us for
our information night to learn about this rewarding experience.”

The Foster Parent Information Night will take place on Tuesday, March 28 from 6-7:30 p.m. at Johnny
Rocco’s Italian Grill, located at 271 Merritt Street in St. Catharines. Food and non-alcoholic beverages
will be provided.

Community members interested in attending are encouraged to pre-register for the event by clicking
here. Although registration is not required, those who do will be guaranteed a thank you gift for
attending.

EVENT DETAILS:
What: Foster Parent Information Session
When: March 28, 6 p.m.
Where: Johnny Rocco’s Italian Grill, 271 Merritt Street, St. Catharines