Photo by John Major
Foster Parents Open their Homes and their Hearts so Kids can have a good Start
by IRIS WINSTON
Friday, June 24, 2011
“We have a Somali background and heard of a couple of issues in the community,” says Abdirizak, a welfare worker with the City of Ottawa. “We thought one of the best ways to become involved was as foster parents. Initially, our intention was to take children from similar backgrounds to ours because there were no other Somali foster parents at the time. So, in the beginning, we accepted children who were Somali or Muslim. Later, we took children from wherever the need was. “
The Mohamuds began fostering children when their son was two. “He really enjoyed the company of other children about his own age, “says Abdirizak. “As he got older, there was more competition, but it was still very workable.”
Most recently, the family fostered two brothers, who returned to stay with kin a few months after the Mohamuds’ third child was born. “Every time there is a change, you have to readjust,” says Abdirizak. “You have to prepare your own children for the change that is about to happen and you have to make your home as welcoming as possible for the children who are coming to you.”
Integrating foster children into the home and the family often begins with a visit before the children move in, he says, and that’s a good time to help everyone relax and have fun. He also recommends taking advantage of all the services on offer through the CAS, he adds, noting that foster parenting is parenting in partnership with the society.
“Right now,” he says, “we are taking a little time with our own children, but we may well be ready to take foster children again later.”
Source: Ottawa Family Life Magazine