Young Artists Focus of Foster Family Week

Impressionist masterworks aren't the only show this week at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia. The works of young foster family members are also on display at the gallery to recognize National Foster Family Week.

Community Services Minister Peter Christie launched the week at a ceremony this morning in the gallery lobby. He presented a cheque to the young artist whose work was selected to appear in recent newspaper advertisements thanking foster families for their dedication to children in care.

"This year's selected entry from the foster care art contest is from 17-year-old Melissa Maas. The daughter of foster parents Frank and Roberta Maas of Antigonish County, Melissa knows about sharing her parents and her home. She is an example of the dedication and commitment we honour here today," said Mr. Christie. "Foster families are an extremely important resource, not only to children in foster care, but to every Nova Scotian."

This year, Foster Family Week is being observed from Oct. 21 to Oct. 27. Special events such as banquets, recognition nights and receptions are being held across the province this week to thank foster families for their efforts.

The department remains committed to improving the level of support foster families require to care for the children and youth of Nova Scotia.

The Department of Community Services funds the delivery of mandatory introductory training for all foster parents through the Federation of Foster Families of Nova Scotia. Training programs are co-delivered by experienced foster parent trainers and social workers. The training model established by the department and the federation is now being used to implement the Parent Resource for Information, Development and Education (PRIDE) program.

The first modules of PRIDE training are now under way. The knowledge and skills foster families learn through PRIDE help them deal with the many challenges they face on a daily basis.

"Foster families work mainly toward the goal of returning children to their parents," said Mr. Christie. "That takes enormous patience, understanding and parenting skill. The PRIDE program assists foster families in meeting that important goal."

Currently, there are over 700 foster families in Nova Scotia, and there is a pressing need for more families.

Foster parents receive monthly financial support from the Department of Community Services to cover board, clothing and other expenses. If a child has special needs, the family is eligible for additional funding.

The Federation of Foster Families of Nova Scotia provides additional information about foster care on a 24-hour toll-free number, 1-800-565-1884. People who wish to learn how they can take the first steps toward becoming a foster family can call this number.