Proclaimed by the City of Toronto, National Foster Family Appreciation Week is a time to recognize and celebrate Foster Caregivers who open their homes and hearts to children and youth in care. These caregivers provide safe, nurturing and temporary homes that support young people through times of transition and contribute to the stability and success of families across our city.
Recognizing Foster Caregiver Milestones
This week, our Agency proudly acknowledges the dedication and compassion of all of our Foster Caregivers, including those marking important service milestones:
• 3 caregivers – 5 years
• 1 caregiver – 10 years
• 1 caregiver – 15 years
• 1 caregiver – 20 years
• 2 caregivers – 25 years
• 1 caregiver – 45 years
In reflecting on the impact of foster caregiving, Elaine Pratt, President of the Foster Parent Association at CAST, shared: “As we come together to celebrate Foster Parent Appreciation Month, it’s a moment to reflect on the incredible and often challenging work we do. There are times when our hearts feel heavy, but those ‘glitter’ days remind us why we persevere — when a child begins to thrive, when families are reunited, or when a young person finds their forever home. The stability and love we provide leave a lasting impact, offering children a strong foundation they can rely on throughout their lives.”
Growing Our Foster Caregiver Community
This week, we continue to join our fellow Children’s Aid Societies and Indigenous Child and Family Well-Being Agencies across the Greater Toronto Area in a united call for new Foster Caregivers who can provide supportive and temporary homes for children and youth with diverse identities and needs.
Our greatest need is for caregivers who can:
- Care for sibling groups, older children and teens
- Support children and youth with complex needs, including those who are neurodivergent or have medical conditions
- Reflect, share, and nurture cultural and community connections with children in care across race, culture, religion, creed, gender, sexual orientation and gender identity
To learn more about becoming a Foster Caregiver, visit gta.theretocare.ca.
Join Our Upcoming Information Session
As part of our efforts to grow our community, we invite those interested in learning more to join our upcoming Virtual Foster Caregiver Information Session:
Wednesday, November 6, 2025
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Online via Zoom
Register here
Learn about the process and available supports, ask questions live, and hear directly from experienced Foster Caregivers.
Our Commitment
The Children’s Aid Society of Toronto is grateful for our staff who support families in making a difference every day through foster caregiving. We remain committed to supporting Foster Caregivers through ongoing training, collaboration, and access to resources that help children and youth thrive. Together, we are building a community where every child and youth feels safe, supported and connected.
