Thread by @OhThatMrWheeler

I do not discuss my experiences as a foster parent too often on social media. I would like to highlight an experience I had yesterday, not with our foster child, but with the professionals that support him. #ABGOV

1/11

My wife and I attended a “Success in School” essential the working professionals in this kid’s life met from 4 pm to 5 pm on a Friday to discuss the child’s past, present and to plan for their academic and personal future. Here’s the list of people attending:
2/11

School’s Family Wellness Worker (Lead the meeting)
Social Worker
School’s Student Support Facilitator
Classroom Teacher
Vice Principal
Two Foster Parents

I highlight the people in the room because each of them is working to improve this child’s life chances.
3/11

I won’t get into the details of the kid’s history but current struggles are emotional, social, behaviour and academic. This kid needs help, they need a well funding public system so he doesn’t become another statistic.
4/11

This kid needs a social worker, where their hard work and dedication to the people of Alberta is not rewarded with a wage role back. The same for their teachers. The people I listed are just the ones with direct influence in this kid’s life.
5/11

Some people believe the solution to this province’s trouble is to roll back wages, cut programs & then hopefully these cuts will trickle down. Foster children don’t need jobs or more charter schools, they need people in their life that give a shit and go the extra mile.
6/11

These professionals are powered by intrinsic motivation but they also don’t need to be disrespected by the #ABGOA with threats of wage rollbacks and publicly devalued & disrespected. The lack of funding and support is currently affecting these Alberta children. 7/11

If you read my list you may have noticed that an Educational Assistant wasn’t on the list. This omission wasn’t because they were not in attendance its because my foster kid DOES NOT HAVE ONE. 8/11

They cannot hold a pencil, they cannot write, which at their age is required to demonstrate their spelling. The system these children live in is fragile and needs protection and more support.
@rebeccakschulz @pancholi_rakhi @AdrianaLaGrange @shoffmanAB
9/11

If you have ever thought about fostering and want to learn about my family’s experiences I’m happy to discuss these privately.
10/11

I need to mention my 9-year son, the other support in my foster kid's life, who accorded to the teacher & VP is demonstrating compassion and patience when dealing with his new foster sibling and I'm so proud of him.
11/11