The Government of Saskatchewan has proclaimed this week as Foster Families Week.
The Province is urging everyone across the province to learn more about the foster parent program.
“I can’t say enough about our foster parent program in this province, or the amazing people involved. They open their homes, and their hearts, to children and youth in times when their families are in crisis. In addition to meeting the everyday needs of children in their care, foster parents provide the most important thing of all, a place to call home,” says Social Services Minister Paul Merriman.
The Saskatchewan Foster Families Association is a non-profit, community-based organization that manages recruitment, training and support for foster families in partnership with the Government of Saskatchewan.
“The foster parent program is about families helping families. I’ve been involved in fostering for more than 35 years, first as a foster parent and then through my role with the association. My experiences have provided me with many opportunities to give back. But, what I’ve received from the families I’ve helped to support, what I’ve learned from them, and the impact they have had on me as a person is immeasurable,” says Saskatchewan Foster Families Association Executive Director Deb Davies.
The province says they have seen an increase in the number of approved foster homes in operation, however they add the need is still high.
“Just under a year ago, we began providing our world-class training program for foster parents online, which has made it much more convenient for prospective families to join the program. We also attribute the increase to the Saskatchewan Foster Families Association, and their tireless support of foster families,” says Merriman.
For more information, call the Saskatchewan Foster Families Association at 1-800-667-7002 or visit their website.
