CANTON — Fostering Futures of St. Lawrence County, a CHJC (Children’s Home of Jefferson County) affiliate program, will host a virtual Foster Parent Informational Session on Thursday, Jan. 7, beginning at 6 p.m.

Participating individuals will need internet capabilities, an active e-mail address, and computer/tablet equipment with a camera.

Anyone interested in learning more about Foster Parenting, Adoption, Respite Services, and the Fostering Futures Program, is welcome and encouraged to attend. In an informal, casual setting, the session will offer opportunities to ask questions and speak with Program staff.

Virtual Foster Parenting training classes will begin on Thursday, Jan. 14, 2021 at 6 p.m., and continue for nine weeks thereafter.

Fostering Futures provides temporary care for children unable to live with their birth families or guardians.

The Program allows children who may have been abused or neglected, and/or have behavioral challenges and special needs, the opportunity to live in a family setting, attend public school, and be an active member of the community. To provide support for the needs of the entire family, in addition to 24-hour on-call services and crisis response, extensive training is offered to all CHJC Foster Parents.

To help prepare a child to return to his/her birth family, or be adopted, Foster Parents will work as members of a team of families, social workers, and other professionals.

For more information on the informational or training sessions, or opening your home and heart to these deserving children, contact Malissa Hale, St. Lawrence County Foster Care Program Manager, at 315-229-3503. Or e-mail Malissa at mhale@chjc.org.