Videos Launch Foster Family Recruitment Week

Could I be a foster parent? What do I need to know? How does the process work? The answers to these questions are now easier to find thanks to a new online video series about foster parenting.

The 8-part series was launched today, May 10, as part of Foster Family Recruitment Week.

The video series tells the story of the foster-care process directly from the point of view of foster parents, foster children and staff from the Department of Community Services. It enables Nova Scotians to see for themselves what it means to be a foster parent and how rewarding the experience can be.

"Providing foster children with a safe and loving home is one way we are making life better for children in every region." said Ms. Peterson-Rafuse. "For every foster child who comes into our care there is an opportunity to become a positive and supportive force in their life. We need more families to consider this rewarding and important program."

The videos include topics such as qualities needed to be a foster parent, support and training and basic information on how the foster program works. Viewers can choose to watch the entire series or select an area of interest.

There are about 800 foster families in Nova Scotia that provide temporary support to children who, for a variety of reasons, are removed from their home.

"We need to keep up with the research methods that people are using now," said Community Services Minister Denise Peterson-Rafuse. "The internet and online videos are what today's families have come to expect and I am pleased that we are now recruiting in this way."

Foster parents provide more then a safe place to stay, in many cases they provide hope for a better tomorrow.

"One of the warmest compliments I've received came from my foster daughter's teacher," said foster parent Brenda Wolfe. "She said how wonderful its been to see my foster daughter go from a quiet withdrawn child to a happy smiling little girl. Knowing I can make that kind of difference is what makes it all worthwhile."

Foster Family Recruitment Week runs May 9-15. The Department of Community Services is promoting a provincewide recruitment campaign with print, radio, and online media.

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 .