Results from the 2026 Treatment Foster Care (TFC) parent survey reveal a program that provides foster families with the support, training, and guidance they need throughout their journey with Ranch Ehrlo Society.

Each year, foster parents, external case managers, and foster children are consulted about their experiences with the program. Their feedback gives the TFC team an opportunity to celebrate areas of strength, identify opportunities for improvement, and ensure the program continues to meet the needs of the children and families it serves.

“Continuous quality improvement begins with listening,” said Kate Langen, director of TFC. “Our annual surveys of children, foster parents, and case managers help us understand what is working well and where we can do better. Their feedback guides meaningful changes, shapes new goals and objectives, and helps us strengthen the care and support we provide to children and families.”

The 2026 survey received an exceptional response rate with 100 per cent of foster children and foster parents responding to the survey, along with nine out of 11 (82 per cent) external case managers.

Feedback was collected in person and by phone between March and May 2026. The results provide an important snapshot of how the program is supporting children, foster families, and the professionals who work alongside them.

Supporting collaboration and quality care

Case managers reported positively on several aspects of the TFC program:

• 85 per cent were satisfied with the level of collaboration and communication with TFC clinical caseworkers.
• 100 per cent were very satisfied with the physical health care provided to foster children.
• 78 per cent were very satisfied with the cultural activities offered through TFC.
• 77 per cent praised the reunification plans being facilitated.

For foster parents, some of the strongest feedback centred on the coaching and skill development they receive throughout their time in the program.

“The support is next level. Being able to talk through situations, ask questions, get guidance, and have someone help me look at things from a difference perspective has been invaluable to me,” explained Sue Hipfner, foster mom. “During the really tough moments, knowing that I have support keeps me going.”

One hundred per cent of foster parents said their program caseworker and clinical manager help them build skills through practical strategies they can use in everyday situations. They reported feeling more confident as caregivers than when they started and collectively agreed they have a better understanding of how trauma can affect their foster child’s behaviour.

The treatment model and overall quality of the program also received strong marks. Ninety-seven per cent of foster parents indicated that the program’s philosophy aligns with their own approach to caregiving, that ongoing training prepares them for their role, that the focus on family and relationships is important, and that the program helps children stabilize and grow.

Creating space for children to grow

The growth of the children is evident not only in the stories and experiences shared by foster parents, but in the children’s own words and responses. They spoke enthusiastically about their experiences in the program and described feeling comfortable, safe, and engaged in the activities.

“We get to play lots. It is a happy place,” shared one child.

Another said, “I like it here. There are more kids to play with and it’s a safe feeling.”

For the children, feeling safe and comfortable is often found in the everyday moments. They talked about riding bikes, making crafts, gardening, having space to roam, eating nourishing meals, and getting lost in a favourite book series like Harry Potter.

These may seem like simple parts of everyday life, but for children who have experienced disruption or uncertainty, those ordinary moments can become important pieces of feeling safe, settled, and connected.

Creating a stronger foundation

The 2026 survey offered an opportunity to hear directly from the people at the heart of Treatment Foster Care. Their feedback shows a program where foster parents feel supported in their role, children feel safe and engaged, and professionals recognize the value of collaboration.

But perhaps the most important takeaway is how those pieces connect.

"The overwhelmingly positive feedback from children, foster parents, and case managers reflects the strong relationships and commitment within our program and provides a foundation for growth,” said Kate. “Continuous quality improvement is about evolving, growing, and never being satisfied with the status quo. Reaching one goal is not the finish line – it is the starting point for setting the next three.”