2c homes willing to take |
teenagers.

‘Teenagers ‘come into
foster. Care because « of a
series of crises that
necessitate their removal
from the family home. These
crises can result from
problems that include:
marital difficulties; faulty
parenting; . . ‘personal,
financial and other stresses.

But even, if their parents
have had difficulty showing
care or understanding, the
separation is shocking and
painful for the child. Foster
parents must therefore be
able to care for, understand
and respect ‘an upset
teenager from an unstable
background who may not
wish to be with them. Foster

pargnts shduld also be

willing to become involved
witht the teens real parents.

“Foster parents’: canbe.
married or single, with. or. ..
without children of their

own. They can live in an
apartment or a house,

‘Foster parents do not need
professional skills. They do

need to enjoy children. They
need warmth, tact,
flexibility, patience,
resourcefulness and a sense
of humor. ‘Foster parents
should have the physical and
mental stamina to cope with
the stress of an added child,
and should. be willing to
share their ~ love and at-
tention. - .

A. prospective: foster
parent. will fill out an_ap-
plication, ‘have.\a Medical
Form ‘completed, be .visited
by a social worker ‘who ‘will
ask about > background,
present life, and attitudes on
child rearing.

When the Foster Home
Study is completed, a formal
Foster Home Agreement is
signed by the foster parents
and the Ministry of Human
Resources.

After a foster child is
placed, a monthly-payment
is made to cover board and
clothing. The rate is age-
related and ranges from $260
per month to $290. A fee for
extra services can be
negotiated with the child's
social worker.

Hospital, medical, dental
and school expenses will be
paid by the Ministry of

uman Resources. A social
worker is available to
support and assist the foster
parents with any difficulties
that might arise. As well, the
B.C. Federation of Foster
Parent Association will offer
support and = cducational
services,

If you are interested in
fostering please contact:
Sheila Lonegren or Margaret
Taylor at 984-4281. Help is
needed from the community
to care for its own children,

vhitensts
Jam)

Sherwin Williams
Paines Hardware

1915 Lonsdale, North Vancouver

90 Lonsdale, North Vancouver

AIS - Wednesday, September 21, 1983 - North Shore News