On Nov. 5, foster parent Megan Burnside, left, P.E.I. Federation of Foster Families President Mary Noye, Social Development Minister Barb Ramsay and Director of Child Protection with Child Family Services Michael Henthorne, announced a new provincial campaign to encourage more Islanders to become foster parents. Photo by Kristin Gardiner /Journal PioneerArticle contentSUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. — Five years ago, Charlottetown’s Megan Burnside became a foster parent.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle content“I really like the idea of being a part of the community in a meaningful way,” she said. “I knew that foster parents had a big job, and a really important role in supporting kids through really difficult times, when they can’t be with their own family.”Article contentArticle contentFostering was a new world for Burnside, but she has a love for children, having two of her own. When she began fostering, she did so as a respite foster, taking in children part-time a couple of weekends a month, before moving on to full-time fostering.Article contentArticle content“It can be daunting to jump into full-time foster care,” said Burnside. “We were able to meet a bunch of the kids, and see that it was more possible for us to have a child full-time.”Article contentWhile there were challenges, she said foster parenting wasn’t all that more difficult than being a birth parent.Article content“Being a parent to a child that is not your child or won’t be with you forever is definitely a little different,” she said. “But I felt like there’s just similar challenges you’d have with any parenting. Overall, the reward is well beyond the level of challenge.”Article contentUltimately, she found the experience of having fostered more than a dozen children of all ages “enriching.” She said the kids she’s known are thoughtful, funny, curious and a joy to be around.Article content Megan Burnside, who has been a foster parent for five years, was at the launch of a new campaign that encourages people to sign up to foster children. Photo by Kristin Gardiner /Journal PioneerArticle contentArticle contentFostering campaignArticle contentBurnside added she would love to see more people sign up to be a foster parent. On Nov. 5, she attended an event at the Credit Union Place in Summerside, announcing a new campaign to encourage more Islanders to sign up for just that.Article contentArticle content“I’m really happy that the message is going to get out there, that more foster parents are needed,” said Burnside. “That’s one of the most challenging parts of fostering. It’s heartbreaking to meet these kids, who might be in a group home, and they’re really wanting to be in a foster home, they’re really compatible to a foster home, but there’s just not a placement available to them. That’s one of the most heartbreaking things.”Article contentArticle contentThe provincially-funded campaign — dubbed Every Open Door Fosters Futures — will see ads run on the radio, television and social media, highlighting the importance of fostering. Those interested in becoming a foster parent are encouraged to go to beafosterparent.ca or contact the Department of Social Development and Seniors.Article contentBarb Ramsay, social development minister, said the campaign is an important and necessary one. She hopes it reaches all Islanders who may have an interest in fostering.
P.E.I. launches campaign to encourage more Islanders to become foster parents
