The Children’s Aid Society of Algoma has teamed up with a local pizza joint in a bid to reach potential foster parents in the Sault

If you notice an unusual message on your pizza box tonight here’s why: Algoma’s foster care system is in crisis and local social workers are trying everything they can to reach parents willing to help.

“We have a critical need for foster homes,” said Krista Budau, Children’s Aid Society of Algoma executive director in an interview with SooToday.

The Children’s Aid Society Of Algoma currently has 40 foster homes in the Sault and Algoma District. As of March 31, those homes were supporting 107 children ranging in age from newborns to 17 years old. Those homes were also caring for 50 young adults between 18 and 23. 

The shortage means some children must leave the Sault and Algoma for foster homes elsewhere in the province.

“That is heartbreaking. That really has a tremendously negative impact on their connections to their supports, their cultures, their peers, their community,” Budau said.

Beginning today, approximately 1,000 Aurora’s Westside pizza takeout and delivery boxes will feature QR codes directing customers to the Children’s Aid Society of Algoma Foster Care program.

“We don’t have a target number because ideally we would like to have more homes than we have need for. In days past we had over 100 foster homes and we would certainly love to get back in that range,” Budau said.

“It’s a great opportunity to get the message out there that we do need foster families and care for these children that don’t have homes,” said Toni Robinson, Aurora’s Westside manager.

“We like partnering with businesses and organizations in the city to help out and do what we can. That’s really important to us,” Robinson said.

Along with 1,000 Aurora’s Westside pizza takeout and delivery boxes with QR codes, flyers encouraging adults to become foster parents will also be included with each of those takeout orders.

15,000 flyers have also been given to Algoma District School Board and Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board students to take home and give to their parents for consideration.

“We’re so grateful that Aurora’s has partnered with us. This is our first time that we’re using the QR codes and partnering with a restaurant,” Budau said.

“We’re hoping that it will be an opportunity for anyone who has ever considered the possibility of fostering to very quickly obtain information that might answer their questions.”

Scanning the QR codes will take people to the Children’s Aid Society Of Algoma website, provide information about fostering children and an opportunity to fill out an online application and approval form.

The Children’s Aid Society Of Algoma serves the Sault, east to Spanish and Elliot Lake and north to White River and Hornepayne, Budau said.

The launch of the Children’s Aid and Aurora’s initiative precedes Children and Youth in Care Day in Ontario on May 14.

“It’s a day that recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of children who are supported by child welfare across the province,” Budau said.

“We celebrate their resilience. We celebrate their strength and we want those children and youth to understand that as a community they belong and they are seen.”

Many foster children go on to experience success in life, Budau said.

“There are adults in our community who experienced foster care after experiencing tremendous adversity in their young lives, and then with the right assistance and the right support, they have been able to live happy, healthy lives.”

The Children’s Aid Society Of Algoma will hold a celebration for current foster children at an undisclosed location on Children and Youth in Care Day.

“We don’t publicize the location of the event. We want it to be special for the children and youth, and those that they’re connected to,” Budau said.

Budau, however, did say it will be a day of fun.

“We’ll have a barbecue and fun activities that the youth can participate in. We recognize children and youth who are having graduations in this particular school year so that their peers can acknowledge that success.”

Former youth in care will appear and mingle with current foster children.

“We’ll have entertainment and it’s an opportunity for youth to be appreciated and recognized,” Budau said.