Family Supports Institute Ontario

Family Supports Institute Ontario (FSIO) is a small non-profit organization, governed by an active Board of professionals who have knowledge and expertise about both the needs of young families and the professionals that work with them. FSIO acts as a resource and a conduit for the dissemination of current information, in addition to providing professional development opportunities including workshops, Town Halls and an online newsletter. Equally important, FSIO seeks to advocate and act as a "voice" for those who work with families and children in a variety of family support settings to actively inform and influence policy developments and discussions at all levels of government.

FSIO is one of the only organizations that is dedicated to all aspects of supporting and improving the provision of high-quality effective family support programs in Ontario. With a membership in FSIO, you will be connected to a provincial network of professionals working in similar programs across the province. You will have easy online access to information and resources that will benefit you and your programs. As well, you be will be able to participate in professional development, research and policy discussions and benefit from current developments as shared in online discussions, webinars, events, and the FSIO e-newsletter, Policy, Research, Practice and more. “FSIO, since its inception has been one of my anchoring networks, which has supported our organization in fostering “true” family support. We could not have offered our exceptional services without it.” -Gudrun Klingelstein, Centrepointe Early Childhood Resource Centre in Ottawa

FSIO provides you with a unique connection to others in the field that are experiencing sectoral change. Our Board is comprised of members who are working in the field of family support and experiencing the same situation as you. We can advise you and connect you to resources and most importantly, to each other as changes occur. In addition, we continue to advocate for you at Provincial and Municipal levels of government to ensure that the staff are treated fairly and that your needs are considered as changes occur. FSIO also organizes events at which you can provide feedback directly to government representatives.

It is easy to become a member or to renew your membership. You can become a member online, or complete the membership form (.doc) (.pdf) and send your payment online through Paypal or by cheque. It is also possible to pay via e-transfer by emailing Catherine Moher, co-chair at cmoher4@gmail.com. Individual friends/supporters pays $80/year, organizations/agencies pay $100/year, and students/unwaged individuals pay $25/year. Want to be involved without becoming a member? Join FSIO’s mailing list or donate to FSIO.