Foster Care Program

Avalon operates several foster homes in Southern Ontario. Avalon’s foster homes provide care for children and youth who would benefit from a low-stimulation environment while meeting their needs for treatment and supervision.

History/Overview

Avalon opened its first foster home in 2009.  We now operate foster homes in Guelph, London, Woodstock, Listowel, Thamesford, and Dundalk. Over the last few years, we have hired foster parents with a wealth of experience in this field. Our foster parents are all required to complete the following trainings: PRIDE (Parent Resources for Information, Development and Education), Standard First Aid, Infant and Child CPR, First Nations, Inuit and/or Métis Cultural Competency, and Trauma Informed Care.

Supports and Services That We Offer

As an agency, we recognize the truly unique role of a foster parent. We have identified that to be successful in providing the highest quality of care we need to provide a high degree of support to our foster parents. We have been able to achieve this in a number of ways:

• Each home has a Resource Supervisor to oversee the children’s case and the Program Manager provides specific supports to the foster parents;
• Additional support in the home is provided by Child and Youth Workers;
• Regular supervision is provided to both foster parents and children;
• Foster parent meetings/trainings are held every other month.

We Currently Provide the Following

• Individual counseling;
• Art Therapy;
• Music Therapy / Music Programming;
• Therapeutic Riding;
• Psychological and Psychiatric assessments can be facilitated.

Foster Parent Opportunities

We are always looking for people that are interested in opening up their homes to a foster child. We are also looking for qualified individuals to work with our foster children and to support our foster parents.

If you would like further information on any aspect of our foster care program, please reach out to our Foster Care Program Manager Rob Holtam by email at rob.holtam@avalontreatmentprograms.ca.

Foster Parent Testimonials:

“I have been fostering for almost 7 years and have children in my home that have been with me almost since the beginning. Avalon supported me to keep my boys through a transition of agencies and have ensured that support for the last 2 years” – Foster Parent of 2 Years

“While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach US what life is all about.” – Foster Parent of 4 Years

“Avalon believes in and trusts the experience and wisdom of their foster parents.” – Foster Parent of 2 Years

“Front-line caregivers are properly supported and respected as valuable members of the child’s team.”- Foster Parent of 2 Years

“We are first-time foster parents and are so thankful we chose to begin our journey with Avalon. The Avalon team have guided and supported us throughout our first year. We couldn’t imagine this adventure without them.”- Foster Parent of 1 ½ Years