Foster Family Appreciation Week

More than 700 foster families in Nova Scotia are being thanked this week for their dedication and commitment to children in need, as the province celebrates Foster Family Appreciation Week from Oct. 19 to 24.

"A strong and supportive family life is essential to a child's healthy development," said David Morse, Minister of Community Services. "Foster parents provide that nurturing environment for our children and youth. It's because foster parents care that our young people have safe and loving homes to welcome them in their times of need. I encourage all Nova Scotians to join me in thanking our foster families for the love and support they give every day."

Foster Family Appreciation Week was launched on Sunday, Oct. 19, at the Dartmouth Sportsplex's Pirate's Cove. The family fun day enabled foster families -- including foster parents, biological and foster children -- to celebrate the accomplishments of foster parents across the province. Mr. Morse joined foster families to kick off the week-long series of events with the theme Because You Care.

The theme was also at the heart of this year's selected entry from the Foster Care Children's Art Contest. The drawing by Shauna, age 14, features the words Because You Care and depicts a helping hand that represents the support and guidance foster parents provide to children and youth in-care. Shauna's drawing is featured in newspaper advertisements thanking foster families.

All foster parents attend comprehensive training on a variety of subjects, including sensitivity and non-violent crisis intervention, to prepare them to help the child or youth in their care. Experienced foster parent trainers and social workers deliver the Parent Resource for Information, Development and Education (PRIDE) training, which the department, the federation and experienced foster parents deliver together. Foster parents also receive per diem monetary compensation to assist with costs associated with helping a child or youth in their care.

"Foster families are the backbone of our child-protection system," said Jill Wilson-Kingston, provincial foster care services co-ordinator. "They work as part of a professional team to ensure children and youth receive the encouragement and support they need to overcome challenges that life has presented. It's important for Nova Scotians to recognize foster parents' role in ensuring that children have a safe, loving and nurturing place to go in times of need."

Information about foster care, including how families can take the first steps towards fostering, is available via a 24-hour toll-free number at 1-800-565-1884.