ABOUT US

On June 22, 1973, the Foster Parents Association of Ontario was formed in Toronto at the Toronto CAS. The members were a group of Foster Parent Association's representatives who met under the direction of the OACAS. This was the beginning of the FPA's networking across Ontario. Initially, the FPAO had eleven (11) Regions whose representatives came from their foster parent associations or agencies. This continued until 1980, after which time funds generated, from conferences enabled the representatives to be reimbursed for expenses. In 1986 the regions were realigned and increased to 21, matching the OACAS's structure.

McMaster University was the location of the first Foster Parent Association of Ontario Conference it was held in conjunction with the OACAS Conference in June 1975. For the next six years the conferences were held bi-annually also in conjunction with OACAS. After this time the FPAO took on the responsibility of holding their own conferences in different areas of the province. These conferences were held at various Universities until 1993 when the venue was changed to hotels and conference centers.

FPAO, as a section of the OACAS was subject to the financial constraints imposed by OACAS and the final veto of all motions and any amendments to the FPAO bylaws. Planning and discussions regarding independence from OACAS had begun in 1981. In 1987, at the University of Guelph, during an Annual General Meeting the general membership of FPAO voted to become an incorporated body and become independent from OACAS. Incorporation was realized on March 29, 1990 and the Foster Parents Association of Ontario became the Foster Parents Society of Ontario.

The following were the first major activities that were undertaken by the members of FPSO:

• Establish a set of bylaws acceptable to the Ministry of Consumer and Corporate Affairs of the Province

• Obtain charitable status from Corporations Canada

• Register the FPSO logo with the Patents Office in Ottawa

• Development of a mission statement, "The Foster Parents Society of Ontario is the dedicated voice of foster families in Ontario"

• Establish a relationship with the Ministry of Community and Social Services

• Re-establish a working relationship with OACAS

• Obtain indemnification insurance for the FPSO Directors

• Establish a dues rate for members to maintain the Corporation as a solvent entity

• Plan and hold annual conferences that were not in conflict with OACAS and the CFFA

During the past ten years the FPSO has worked with the Provincial government, other Associations locally, nationally and internationally. Members of FPSO have sat on various task forces, committees and meetings that have dealt with such diverse topics as:

• Standardized rates

• Insurance for foster parents

• Communication

• Legal funds

• Future of Foster Care 1989

• Presentation of Briefs to the Ministry

• Input on the legislation of Corporal Punishment

• Bill #6 which was recently passed in March, 2000

• New Funding Framework of Agencies and Foster Parents per diems

The Ministry of Community and Social Services as well as various sections of the Child Welfare community recognize the Foster Parents Society of Ontario as the "Official Voice" for all Foster Parents in Ontario.

FPSO has changed with the times from the use of a typewriter to computerized reports and minutes, with a future vision of linking of all Foster Parents Associations by computer. FPSO has recently established its own Web page www.fosterparentssociety.org. This site lists all new legislation and articles that affect fostering. In addition, FPSO has developed online training for foster parents and an interactive site for Presidents and Directors.

There continues to be a newsletter distributed to all paid members and agencies within the province. FPSO is a financially sound corporation with an "in good status" with the Ministry of Consumer & Corporate Affairs.

FPSO has recognized the outstanding works of a member of the fostering community and has established a Youth Bursary Awards Program available to all natural, adopted or foster children of foster parents which assists with post secondary education. FPSO presented the first bursary awards in 1992 to two recipients totaling $800.00. FPSO is currently presenting bursary awards totaling approximately $15,000.00 per year. FPSO has presented a foster parent of the year award annually since 1990. Also, the First Life Time Achievement Award was presented.  

FPSO's Conferences continue to be superb events and the workshops are accepted for training credits for foster parents. In the last ten years it is estimated that better than 3500 people have attended the FPSO's conferences.

Foster Parents are being encouraged to work with the natural Parents on a higher degree than ever before, maintain more accurate records and are being held to a higher level of accountability. The Directors of FPSO are committed to advocating on behalf of all foster families in Ontario.

 FPAO/FPSO has grown tremendously over the past thirty years, and will continually represent the needs of the fostering community in their goal of strengthening the services they provide for the children in their care.

Barbara Ptashynski, Founding Director & Secretary of FPSO, Region #13