Foster Family Appreciation Week Oct. 17 to 23

More than 700 foster families will be celebrated during Foster Family Appreciation Week. With the theme "Images of Love, Images of Care" as the backdrop, the week recognizes the commitment of foster parents to children and youth in care.

Premier John Hamm proclaimed Oct. 17 to 23, as Foster Family Appreciation Week. The week was launched Sunday, Oct. 17, at the Dundee Resort and Golf Club with a family fun day celebrating the accomplishments of foster families across the province. The week also includes the awarding of certificates of recognition to foster families in increments of five years.

"The province of Nova Scotia is exceptionally proud of the calibre of our foster parents -- the people who are the heart of the Foster Care program," said David Morse, Minister of Community Services. "Nova Scotia's foster families provide comfort and encouragement, security and stability to young people who need it most. Foster Family Appreciation Week is set aside to express our gratitude and applaud their dedication to the well-being of children in care."

As part of its annual celebration, the Foster Care program once again hosted a contest for children and youth. This year, the competition was expanded to include both art and poetry categories. The selected art contest entry was created by Alicia, while the author of the selected poetry submission was Brittany. Both Alicia and Brittany are 12 years old. Their entries can be viewed on the website at www.gov.ns.ca/coms .

"Foster families work as part of a team of professionals who ensure that the children and youth receive the love and support they need," said Jill Wilson-Kingston, provincial foster care services co-ordinator. "Foster parents work together with social workers, foster care resource teams, the Federation of Foster Families and the Department of Community Services, toward a common goal, the health and well-being of children and youth in Nova Scotia. This type of team approach benefits both foster parents and the children and youth who come into our care."

All foster parents attend comprehensive training to prepare them to help the child or youth in their care. Training issues cover such varied topics as sensitivity, the developmental needs of children and non-violent crisis intervention. Experienced foster parent trainers share their knowledge and help deliver the Parent Resource: Information, Development and Education (PRIDE) training with Community Services and Federation of Foster Families of Nova Scotia. Foster parents also receive per diem monetary compensation to assist with costs associated with helping the child or youth in their care.

More information about foster care, including how families can take the first steps towards fostering, is available by calling the 24-hour, toll-free number 1-800-565-1884.