Foster Family Appreciation Week, Oct. 21-27

Foster families play an essential role for children unable to live at home, taking them in and helping them overcome the challenges that they have faced in their young lives.

Foster Family Appreciation Week is Oct. 21 to 27, and the government of Nova Scotia wants to recognize the daily commitment, hard work and dedication of the province's foster families.

"Foster Family Appreciation Week provides us with a special opportunity to publicly recognize the hard work of our foster families and say thank you," said Judy Streatch, Minister of Community Services.

"I hope that all Nova Scotians take this opportunity to thank the foster families in their communities for the care they provide to some of Nova Scotia's most vulnerable children."

There are more than 700 foster families in Nova Scotia. Each year, the third week in October is set aside to recognize the love, support and commitment foster families provide to children and youth in care.

As part of the annual celebration, the Foster Care program hosts an art and poetry contest for children and youth. The selected art entry was created by Allysa, age 7 and the author of the selected poetry submission was Rachel, age 11. Their entries can be viewed on the Department of Community Services website at www.gov.ns.ca/coms .

During the celebrations across the province, certificates of recognition will be awarded to foster families for every five years they have cared for young people.

"The rewards of being a foster family come in the smiles and the hugs of the children that you help and knowing that you're giving them a chance to reach a better point in their life," said foster parent Brenda Wolfe.

All foster parents attend comprehensive training programs, which cover topics like 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 the Federation of Foster Families of Nova Scotia. Foster parents also receive support to assist with the costs associated with helping the children or youth in their care.

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