MORE CHILD WELFARE SPACES ADDED IN REGINA

The Government of Saskatchewan today announced a capital investment aimed at alleviating pressures in the foster care system in Regina.

The YWCA Regina will receive up to $200,000 to purchase a home, which will provide 12 emergency receiving spaces for children aged 0-12. The Ministry of Social Services will also provide yearly operational funding to the YWCA once the home opens.

"This project addresses a critical shortage of emergency receiving spaces in Regina," Social Services Minister Donna Harpauer said. "When children come into care in an emergency, they need a healthy, safe place to be. The YWCA will provide a caring environment for these vulnerable children."

Support for this project comes from the $9.2 million in new capital funding, which was announced in March. This is part of an overall investment of $25 million in 2009-10 to improve the child welfare system.

"I am confident that the YWCA has the knowledge and capacity to provide a quality service that supports children when they are in crisis," YWCA Executive Director Deanna Elias Henry said. "We look forward to working with the Ministry of Social Services to focus on the needs of these children."

The YWCA Regina has been serving women and their families since 1910. It is expected the 12 emergency receiving spaces in Regina will open in October.

"Our government is putting children and youth first, and we are committed to ensuring a better quality of life for the young people of Saskatchewan," Harpauer said.

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For more information, contact:

Trish Alcorn
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0916

Deanna Elias Henry
YWCA Regina
Regina
Phone: 525-2141 ex 120