PROVINCE LOOKING FOR MORE FOSTER HOMES

Approximately 150 more foster homes are needed in Saskatchewan to provide a positive home environment for children who cannot live at home. More homes are needed because many children settle in long-term homes and because foster families retire or their circumstances change. A foster home recruitment campaign is underway.

"I am deeply impressed with the dedication and commitment of foster parents across the province," Community Resources Minister Buckley Belanger said. "Foster families open their hearts and homes to provide a caring environment for children away from their homes. Many have told me how rewarding their experience has been. Foster families have one of the most important roles in caring for children and in helping them maintain connections with their own families, extended families and communities."

"Seeing children grow into healthy, functioning adults is why many foster parents take on the challenge of caring for other children," Saskatchewan Foster Families Association (SFFA) Executive Director Deb Davies said. "While we recognize the work foster parents do, all of the praise in the world doesn't come close to what foster parents feel when a child in their care gives them a hug or calls as an adult to say thanks. It's pretty powerful."

There are currently about 750 foster homes in Saskatchewan caring for approximately 1,750 children and youth, most of whom are school age.

Community Resources oversees foster care in the province, and works jointly with the SFFA to provide support and training to foster parents. Foster families become automatic members of the SFFA once they have been approved to provide foster care in Saskatchewan.

To learn more about how to become a foster parent, call 1-800-667-7002. To learn more about the SFFA, call the office in Saskatoon at (306) 975-1580.

Minister Belanger will be available throughout the day for phone interviews with interested media.

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For More Information, Contact:

Janet Miller Community Resources Regina Phone: (306) 787-0531

Deb Davies Saskatchewan Foster Families Association Saskatoon Cell: (306) 270-3172