Let’s Talk About Surviving
All anyone ever wants is to know they are loved and supported. You would be surprised how far one can go just by knowing they have someone in their corner. In my case, that “someone” would be my whole family.
Are we really being meaningful allies?
We continue to believe deeply that the requirement and urgency to act in addressing anti-black racism rests with all of us… and that our collective actions must extend far beyond Black History Month.
In what ways am I still his father?
Before his last offence, he was still asking us if we would take him back when he gets out of the centre. What do you say to your child, who you have always wanted and supported even when he became so unpredictable?
Let’s Talk About Permanency
CW… Some may say that is a bit too graphic or an unnecessary detail… but I’m here to share my story.
Adoption and Divorce
Divorce is far from an ideal situation, but as the saying goes: “When Mom is well, the kids are well.”
There is no perfect recipe for family
It’s taboo to say it, naming it makes us feel guilty, but this placement changed our lives for the better. It also saved my life.
“Un-Trying” the Holidays
Consider a dictionary definition of the word holiday: “a day of festivity or recreation when no work is done”. Wow. I am fairly certain that if I go with this definition, I have not had a holiday since 2001 (the last year that I was child free).
I Don’t Like Christmas
Putting up tinsel and garland, pulling out the Christmas scented soaps, plugging in colourful lights, hanging the word JOY over her bed. She LOVES Christmas. I… do not.
Advocates seek privacy rights for foster kids after age 21 so they can get ‘fresh start’
A Barrie woman is leading the charge to get former foster children the same protections as young offenders.
An Ontario Grandmother Shares What It's Like Being A Kinship Caregiver Of Two
They play a crucial role, but the lack of support can cause hardships.
Perceptions
When entering this new world, this new home, you are never navigating your demons alone.
Parenting from a Different Postal Code
I often feel like I am a disappointment because I could not be everything she needed. But then I remember, long ago, that we promised to support Stephanie in becoming the happiest person she can be. And we have done that. By never giving up, and always doing what is best for her.
Pop, Pop, Milk, Salad
Within your daily chaos, between the appointments and advocating, don’t forget to take a moment to remember your why, to do small things, to remind each other that under the pile of clothes, dirty dishes and diapers, is your relationship. And until you get there: pop, pop, milk, salad.
The First Chapter: My Path to Openness
Finally, in a coffee shop, I met with the woman through whom I have the greatest gift. Slowly, our nervousness lifted—or mine at least, I cannot speak for her, but I think we both warmed up a little. As we shared photos and stories our common admiration grew.
Not a Breakdown, a Breakthrough
Because none of this is about giving up or breaking down. It all about finding solutions that are best for our children, supporting individual mental health needs, and setting our expectations to ensure success, not failure.
Creating Roots - Supporting Former Foster Youth
Every year, 800-1000 young people are graduated out of the Ontario system and foster families are no longer given support to keep them in their homes. Youth themselves are given very little assistance and the programs and services available, sadly, are just overwhelmed and not enough.
The Stand Up for Kids Award winner announced
For the third consecutive year, dozens of remarkable and inspiring Canadians were nominated for the Lynn Factor Stand Up for Kids National Award. Our own founder and Executive Director, Julie was selected as one of the finalists!
Julie Despaties, Executive Director and Founder of Adopt4Life, recognized as national finalist for the 2020 Lynn Factor Stand Up for Kids Award
Julie Despaties, Executive Director and Founder of Adopt4Life, recognized as national finalist for the 2020 Lynn Factor Stand Up for Kids Award, from the Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada.
I wish you weren’t mine
But things are what they are, and as we witness what has been unfolding these past weeks with black communities in North America and beyond, I have found myself hopeful enough to think that we could transform this society so that it’s better and fairer for everybody.