Ontario Children in Care

Before Foster Care: The Challenges Children Face

Children and youth are not placed in foster care without reason. Many of the young people we serve have lived through difficult circumstances, which may include:

• report_problemExposure to neglect or abuse — Basic needs may not have been met consistently or safely.
• luggageUnstable living situations — Frequent moves, unsafe housing, or homelessness can create fear and uncertainty.
• psychologyParental struggles — Challenges such as addiction, mental health concerns, or domestic violence disrupt healthy development.
• assignment_lateEducational disruptions — Missed school and limited support can lead to learning gaps and frustration.
• heart_brokenLoss and trauma — Separation from family, siblings, community, or culture can be deeply painful.

These experiences often leave children feeling uncertain, mistrustful, or fearful about the future. Early, compassionate support helps rebuild safety and trust.

Entering Foster Care: Adjusting to a New Home

Even when a foster home is caring and safe, the transition can be stressful. Children and youth may experience:

• sentiment_very_dissatisfiedSeparation anxiety — Leaving familiar people and places is hard, even when the change is necessary.
• shield_moonTrust and attachment challenges — Past experiences can make it difficult to believe adults will be consistent and dependable.
• help_outlineIdentity and belonging questions — Children may wonder where they “fit” and what the future holds.
• priority_highBig emotions and behaviors — Trauma can show up as sadness, anger, withdrawal, or acting out.
• schoolSchool transitions — New classrooms, expectations, and peers take time to navigate.

How Annie’s Havens Supports Children in Care

Our foster homes provide more than shelter — they offer stability, connection, and opportunities to heal and grow. We support children and youth through:

• schedulePredictable routines that create safety and reduce anxiety.
• favoriteTrauma-informed caregiving that responds to behavior through a lens of compassion and skill.
• handshakeRelationship-building with patient, consistent caregivers who listen and advocate.
• connect_without_contactEducation support, including coordination with schools and tutoring where appropriate.
• groupCollaboration with CAS and professionals to ensure each child’s plan of care meets their emotional, educational, cultural, and social needs.

What Progress Can Look Like

• securityImproved sense of safety and calmer daily routines.
• verified_userStronger relationships and trust with caregivers and peers.
• starRenewed engagement in school and extracurricular activities.
• self_improvementDeveloping coping skills and confidence in decision-making.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What challenges do children often face before entering foster care? arrow_drop_down
  Many children experience neglect or abuse, unstable housing, parental struggles, disrupted schooling, and loss or trauma. These can affect safety, trust, learning, and belonging.

• Why can adjusting to a foster home be hard even if it’s safe? arrow_drop_down
  Change can be overwhelming. Children may feel separation anxiety, have difficulty trusting adults, struggle with identity, show big emotions, and face school transitions. These are normal responses to stress and trauma.
• How does Annie’s Havens help children adjust? arrow_drop_down
  Our caregivers provide consistent routines, trauma-informed care, patient relationship-building, education support, and collaboration with Children’s Aid Societies and professionals to meet each child’s needs.