There are close to 200,000 Jews in the Toronto, yet it’s possible that Jewish children who need foster families will be placed in non-Jewish homes.

This cannot happen!

Consider the following: at any given time, Jewish Family and Child Service of Greater Toronto (JF&CS) has about 100 Jewish children in Toronto and York Region who need foster care for various reasons, including physical abuse, drug and alcohol addiction, an inability of parents to care for a child, etc.

JF&CS does a magnificent job of working with client families, foster parents and the Ministry of Community and Social Services to ensure that these children are cared for, and that they usually end up back in the homes of their biological parents.

Who are these children? Stereotypically, we might think that they come from low-income immigrant families, but that’s not always the case. Children in foster care cross all social barriers, be they economic, religious or cultural.

Last year, JF&CS placed an ad in this paper seeking a foster home for a 14-year-old girl. The ad described her as “artistic and semi-independent, someone who would benefit from a home with teen siblings.”

JF&CS was also seeking a home for three siblings ranging in age from eight to 14.

As with the 14-year-old girl, the ad said JF&CS’ goal is to place these children in a Jewish home, but if that’s not possible, they’ll be placed with a family outside the community.

This is not right, my friends. This is not good.

The Jewish community prides itself on taking care of “our own,” and we’re mandated to so by Jewish law. We’re also perceived by others as being a role model for ensuring that Jews in need are always looked after.

The thought of placing a Jewish child in a foster home outside of the Jewish community is sad – not because the child wouldn’t be well taken care of, but because it’s anathema to our very essence as Jews – and it requires a powerful reaction from everyone reading this column.

It’s very unfortunate that these children must be taken away from their biological families, and it’s even more tragic that they will potentially be taken away from their culture and religion as well.

Consider becoming a foster parent. It’s not easy, but it can be most enriching. Extensive training is provided, and the foster family works as part of a JF&CS team.

I used to attend a shul where some of the members were foster parents. I recall how infatuated they were both with the children themselves and with the opportunity to fulfil the mitzvah of helping a fellow Jew. I was told by one foster mother that her biological children benefited from having a pair of siblings, as well as another little girl, in their home at various times, knowing they were doing something very important for the community as well as developing a wonderful and responsible relationship with the foster kids. She added: “There were more people in the house, which made it more lively.”  

There are both long-term and short-term options for foster parenting, and JF&CS compensates foster families financially for their material needs through grants from the Ministry of Community and Social Services and UJA Federation of Greater Toronto. JF&CS also accepts same-sex foster parents and single-parent foster families.

If you don’t have the resources or ability to foster a Jewish child, consider becoming a big sister or big brother. The same need exists. We simply don’t have enough community members interested in this rich volunteer opportunity. You commit to being a companion to one child, and to act as a role model to that child in the way your actual big brother or sister did for you.

The need is enormous!

Please explore these possibilities by contacting JF&CS’ foster care co-ordinator, at 416-638-7800, ext 298.