ALGOMA FOSTER FAMILY ASSOCIATION and CHILDREN’S AID SOCIETY OF ALGOMA ADVOCATE PROGRAM

• The goal of the Advocate Program is to give unbiased emotional support and guidance through the process of investigations and meetings.
• The Advocacy Program recognizes the vulnerability of foster families and understands the trauma of investigations in foster homes.
• Advocates provide information, encouragement and guidance to foster families who may have a service complaint issue, are under investigation or require support dealing with other matters with the society. The Advocate however, does not provide legal advice to the foster parent.
• A foster parent who requires the assistance of an Advocate, will need to call them directly.
• The Advocate will come to your home on request to support your family during the investigation. They will also be available to attend meetings involving the foster parents and CAS.
• An Advocate is bound to conduct themselves in absolute confidentiality, except when they are in possession of information that falls under the duty to report, as required by the Child and Family Services Act.

One way to help protect yourself and your family against allegations is to take the online safe-guarding training provided by FPSO (Foster Parent’s Society of Ontario) at www.fosterparentssociety.org

An Advocate is an experienced foster parent who has demonstrated a strong commitment to, and represents the best interests of the fostering community.

Advocates are trained in:

The Program aids in recruitment and retention of foster homes by being an effective and vital means of support. Advocates assist in empowering and raising awareness of foster parents by sharing their knowledge and experience of the foster care system.

ADVOCATES

Natalie Blake     Joanne Theriault   Brenda Laszlo  Leslie Botke  Marci Sachro
946-5685          942-3094           848-4863        842-2963     736-2318
                                              (Elliot Lake)     (Thessalon)  (Bruce Mines)