Changing Homes: CBC Radio reporter Susan Bell introduced us to some of the people who are helping some of society’s most vulnerable children. These people — foster parents — open up their homes to children whose real homes just are not working. On the surface these people get paid to foster. But on the inside fostering is about a lot more than that.

Changing Homes. Part I. Susan Bell. Broadcast on Daybreak with host Dave Bronstetter. [Runs 10:47] 14/10/03

The way we define "family" has changed a lot over the past 20 years. In the eyes of many, it is no longer the exclusive domain of a mother, a father and a child. Some people are also trying to change the traditional definition of a "Foster Family". Recruiters at Batshaw Youth and Family Centres are encouraging those in the gay and lesbian communities to open their doors to foster children.

Changing Homes. Part II. Susan Bell. Broadcast on Daybreak with host Dave Bronstetter. [Runs 6:53] 15/10/03

They are called Emergency Foster Homes. They are the people who take in children when a judge, a police officer or a social worker decides it is not safe for them to stay at their real home.
CBC Radio reporter Susan Bell introduced us to Jackie, one of Batshaw's emergency foster moms.

Changing Homes. Part III. Susan Bell. Broadcast on Daybreak with host Dave Bronstetter. [Runs 8:35] 16/10/03

When someone turns 18 in Quebec they get the right to vote. If that teenager is in the child welfare system they also get their independence whether they want it or not. CBC Radio reporter Susan Bell spoke to some kids about growing up in the system and what it is like saying goodbye.

Changing Homes. Part IV. Susan Bell. Broadcast on Daybreak with host Dave Bronstetter. [Runs 9:39] 17/10/03

CBC Radio Broadcaster Susan Bell spoke to Utay, a 17-year-old girl living in a group home, who is looking to leave the child welfare system. When she turns 18, she will go out on her own without the support of a family or the child welfare system.

Changing Homes. Part V. Susan Bell. Broadcast on All in a Weekend with host Fiona Downey. [Runs 7:39] 19/10/03

 

Other Features by Susan Bell: Uneasy Insurance