How QCH makes transitioning from foster care easier – Daniel’s Story
Living in foster care from the age of six, Daniel moved around Ontario until the age of 14 — when he moved in with Adam, a parent therapist with Quinte Children’s Homes (QCH). Now a student at Carleton University in Ottawa, Daniel describes his move from care to being on his own as an easy transition. “I have a bit more freedom now, but it’s not that big a difference.” Freedom — confidence — is something that’s a key part of care with QCH, and for Daniel it made a difference. “Adam let me be me. Whatever that...
read moreMaking A Difference: Celebrating 10 Years as Parent Therapists
After 10 years, being foster parents with Quinte Children’s Homes (what we call Parent Therapists) isn’t a job as much as it’s just the way family has come together for Justin Sear and Shannon Crosbie-Sear. Aged 22 and 25 when they first started with QCH, both say that being a Parent Therapist has shaped who they’ve become as adults. Becoming Parent Therapists a Big Adjustment Originally from the Quinte area, Justin and Shannon were looking for a way to move back. “We were recent graduates living and working in Toronto; we wanted...
read moreFinding the spotlight on his own terms
At 14 years of age, Gregory is a bit of a trendsetter. When he was in grade seven, he started wearing a classic fedora hat; some of his classmates soon followed. This past year, he led his rugby team in sporting a Mohawk. For the past four years, Gregory has lived with Kim Cross, a foster parent (what we call a Parent Therapist) with Quinte Children’s Homes. Today, he is well accepted at his school and within the community. However, this wasn’t always the case. Choosing to follow a positive path Growing up, Gregory has had his...
read moreLearning to build positive relationships
Family is a big part of life for Danielle Schmidt, a foster parent (what we call a Parent Therapist) with Quinte Children’s Homes. When Thomas first came into her care, that close family relationship was something he had to adjust to. Then nine years old, Thomas had been in the foster care system for several years. Shy and withdrawn, he had a lot of aggression issues and building relationships wasn’t something that came easily. Thomas came to QCH because he needed specialized care and a lot of attention. Now 11 years old and equipped with...
read moreLife Skills Help Improve Quality of Life, Independence
When Kevin first came to live with Jarid Banks and his family, the Banks couldn’t help but wonder where a nine-year-old could pick up such a shocking vocabulary. After seven years with the Banks family, however, foul language isn’t the only challenge Kevin has learned to manage. A high level of care for kids who need it Jarid is a foster parent (what we call a Parent Therapist) with Quinte Children’s Homes (QCH), a program that offers specialized care for foster kids who need additional support. QCH follows a different model of care that...
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