The objectives of the Foster Parents Society of Ontario (FPSO) are to represent, support, and empower foster parents across the province. Through advocacy, education, and collaboration, FPSO works to strengthen caregiving families and improve outcomes for children and youth in care.
As a provincial association, the FPSO provides a strong, collective voice for local Foster Parents Associations to CAS agencies and the Ministry. This provides advocacy for foster families as well as the children in their care. FPSO is of the view that increasing positive outcomes for children in care is made possible by the many initiatives foster families undertake which nurture and strengthen relationships with foster children that last a lifetime.
The Foster Parents Society of Ontario is a dynamic organization that has continued to evolve. There are now 25 Regions with thirty-seven Foster Parent Association Memberships that represent over 5200 foster families. The FPSO Directors are active on many local, provincial and national committees.
To ensure that the local FPA concerns are raised to the provincial level, FPSO hosts three Presidents meetings each year showcasing a variety of guest speakers who assist in addressing changes that affect foster families across the province. This provides a forum where FPA presidents can come together, network and exchange ideas.
The FPSO works with the provincial government and other associations locally, nationally and internationally. Members of the FPSO have sat on various task forces, committees and meetings that have dealt with such diverse topics as:
Ongoing, the FPSO and its members are faced with many challenges that the FPSO looks to provide education, guidance and knowledge on. These challenges include: