Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Ontario Association of Childrens Aid Societies, I wish to bring to the attention of the House that this is Canadian Foster Family Week.
In this International Year of the Family the celebration of the contributions of foster parents is even more significant. It is important to recognize that nearly 5,000 Ontario foster families provide much needed care, nurturing and stability for children in need of protection, many having suffered from abuse and neglect.
Between 1982 and 1992 the number of foster families available to care for children dropped substantially. This created personal challenges for the Childrens Aid Societies and in some cases required the separation of siblings and a move far from the child's home community.
Canadian Foster Family Week provides an opportunity for members of this House to recognize the contribution of foster families in their respective communities. We must alert the general public to the need for more foster parents to care for children who need the special love and care that foster parents can provide.