Nova Scotia's Children Need Foster Parents

Nova Scotians are encouraged to open their hearts and their homes by becoming foster parents as part of foster family recruitment week which begins Sunday, April 19.

"The children that come into care are good kids who, for a variety of reasons, need to be removed from their current home," said Community Services Minister Chris d'Entremont. "Foster parents play a vital role in protecting these children and place them in a safe and loving home until a more permanent solution is found."

Children who have been placed in the province's care need foster homes to provide love and support through difficult periods in their lives. There are about 800 foster families in Nova Scotia. The recruitment campaign is targeting families who can offer a safe home as well as hope and encouragement to a child.

"Our children deserve to be safe and well cared for, and I hope that more families will consider opening their home to a child in need," said Mr. d'Entremont.

Foster parents attend training sessions on a variety of subjects, including how to support children who have special needs, non-violent crisis intervention, and how best to prepare and support a child or youth in their care. Foster parents also receive daily compensation to help with the costs of caring for a child or youth.

"When you become a foster parent, you become a member of our team," said Vicki Black, manager of Foster Care. "We are here to provide the support needed to make our children feel loved and safe."

Foster Family Recruitment Week runs April 19-25. The Department of Community Services is promoting a provincewide recruitment campaign that includes print, radio, and online advertising.

To learn more about becoming a foster parent, call 1-800-565-1884 to speak with a local foster-care social worker, or visit the Department of Community Services website at www.gov.ns.ca/coms .