Outaouais recruitment drive seeks more foster homes

Tashi Farmilo

The CISSS de l’Outaouais is appealing for new foster families to help meet a growing and urgent need for placements in the region, especially for adolescents and children with autism. The shortage mirrors a broader provincial and national trend of increasing demand on child protection systems and insufficient out of home care options.

The agency is currently seeking foster families for children across all age groups: 0 to 5, 6 to 12 and 13 to 17 years, but notes that needs are particularly pressing for teens and for children with autism aged 3 to 17. In addition, it is recruiting individuals willing to support youth with physical or intellectual disabilities into adulthood through long term placements.

National administrative data show an estimated 61,104 children and youth in Canada were in out of home care as of March 31, 2022, or about eight children per 1,000 in the child population, and that a substantial majority of those placements occur in family based settings such as foster homes. Quebec’s rate of out of home care, 9.48 per 1,000 children, is above the national average.

“We are also looking for individuals who would like to invest in adolescents with physical or intellectual disabilities and autistic teens, with the goal of also housing them into adulthood,” said Camille Brochu Lafrance, media relations advisor at the CISSS de l’Outaouais.

According to provincial records, approximately 700 children in the Outaouais region live in foster families, under intermediate or family type resources, underscoring significant regional reliance on foster care.

Prospective foster families must begin by attending an information session, then undergo an evaluation based on five criteria including personal characteristics, relational skills, caregiving capacity, organisational competencies and home environment. The application process includes criminal and youth protection background checks and basic training such as CPR. Families receive ongoing support from the CISSSO, including training, integration help and regular collaboration with assigned professionals.

The agency is also working to correct common misconceptions about foster care. Contrary to public belief, foster families can include single people, renters and those with full time jobs. No formal experience in education or intervention is required, and the number of children hosted varies based on what is considered safe and appropriate for each family.

“The process is rigorous, to protect the children, but it is clear, structured, and supported every step of the way,” said Brochu Lafrance.

More information: https://cisss-outaouais.gouv.qc.ca/recrutement/devenir-ressource-dhebergement/ri-rtf/