Respite Foster Families a Positive Experience

NOTE: The following is a feature story about the Respite Foster Family program.

"What did you do this weekend?" is a familiar query on Monday morning. Whether going to the movies or the grocery store, it’s usually time wound around people you care about; friends and family.

But for some couples, single parents and same-sex partners, there's an added twist. They are extending their friendships and families to help others, as respite foster families.

Andrew and Stacey Warnica are one of those families. About one weekend a month, take over from a full-time foster family and open their home and hearts to children and youth in care.

The Warnicas decided it was something they wanted to do when Stacey, a teacher, saw a growing need in her school.

"We heard through a friend that being a foster parent was more diverse than just full-time fostering," says Andrew. "So we looked into respite foster care, and it's been a really positive experience."

"The term respite means to provide rest and relief," says Jill Wilson-Kingston, co-ordinator, foster care services with the Department of Community Services.

"But what these unique foster families, like the Warnicas, do is provide much more. Respite families are able to support a child or youth in care, while providing immeasurable benefit to full-time foster families," says Wilson-Kingston.

There could be a family emergency where it's not appropriate for children and youth to be at home, says Wilson-Kingston, or maybe a foster family member suffers an unexpected illness or is suddenly hospitalized. This is where the respite family steps in, to provide the temporary care children or youth need. Whatever the reason, respite families offer full-time foster families a chance to regroup and re-energize, so they can continue to provide care to these special children.

Without children of their own, Andrew says they were a little intimidated about having a child spend a couple of days with them.

But he says the training courses, and stories from foster families and children, put their minds at ease.

Now, they can't wait to help out again.

"The kids are really friendly and polite. We'd love to have them anytime," said Andrew. "The focus is on them, but we get so much out of it as well."

Wilson-Kingston says if you're open-minded, non-judgmental, value family life, and want to give back to the community, this could be for you.

She encourages anyone interested in the respite foster family program to call 1-800-565-1884 for more information.

A social worker from your local area will return your call and provide detailed information on how to get started.

So, what will you do this weekend?