Foster Family Week Launched with Family Fun Day

COMMUNITY SERVICES--Foster Family Week Launched with Family Fun Day

Oct. 20-26 is Foster Family Week in Nova Scotia. Community Services Minister Peter Christie says the week is the province's opportunity to publicly thank foster families for the important role they play in the lives of children in care.

"We honour foster families during this week because of their dedication and commitment to the children in their care," said Mr. Christie. "Foster families are an extremely important resource, not only to children in foster care, but to every Nova Scotian."

The department remains committed to improving the level of support foster families require to care for the children and youth of Nova Scotia. One way it fulfils this commitment is funding the delivery of introductory training for all foster parents.

Foster parent training is mandatory. The Federation of Foster Families of Nova Scotia co-ordinates the sessions and provides trainers. Experienced foster parent trainers and social workers deliver the Parent Resource for Information, Development and Education (PRIDE) training, which the department and the federation developed together.

"A primary goal of foster families is to return children to their parents," said Mr. Christie. "The PRIDE program is an extremely important resource in helping foster families to meet that goal. PRIDE helps families develop the patience, understanding and skills they require to be effective foster care providers."

This year, Foster Family Week will be launched with a barbecue and family fun day in Kentville. The event will held on Sunday, Oct. 20, at the Lion's Community Hall from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The day will feature a display of entries in the annual children's art contest. This year's theme is A Harvest of Thanks.

Special events during Foster Family Week include banquets, recognition nights and receptions held across the province to thank foster families for their efforts.

This year's selected entry from the Foster Care Children's Art Contest is from Christena, age 11. Christena's drawing features the words Thanks for everything, and shows pictures of everything she thanks her foster family for giving to her. Christena's drawing was featured in newspaper advertisements thanking foster families. She also received a cheque in recognition of her artwork being selected.

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

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

A 24-hour toll-free number, 1-800-565-1884, to the Federation of Foster Families of Nova Scotia, provides more information about foster care, including how your family can take the first steps toward becoming a foster family.