PROVINCE BOOSTS SUPPORT FOR VULNERABLE CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

Foster families will be getting more financial support, Community Resources Minister Kevin Yates announced today. The funding is part of an $18 million package to increase support for vulnerable children and families in the province.

"The increased funding recognizes the important role foster families play in improving the circumstances of families who are experiencing difficulties," Yates said. "Extended families who care for children will also receive additional supports. The funding, along with more child and family services staff and spaces for children, will help us better respond to the needs of children and families."

"We are very pleased with today's announcement," Saskatchewan Foster Families Association Executive Director Deb Davies said. "This announcement is about more than just funding, it is about recognizing foster families for exceptional work that they do in caring for the most vulnerable children and youth of our province."

To address critical pressures in child welfare programs, the province is providing:

• $4.1 million to enhance foster care rates;
• $3.3 million to increase extended family caregiver rates;
• $5.5 million to develop more residential options for children in need of protection; and
• 60 new case workers to improve the delivery of services including finding permanent families for children.

The $5.5 million for residential options is for development of group homes and other facilities that care for children requiring more programs and services than can be provided through foster care.

Of the 60 new case workers, half will be dedicated to finding permanent homes for children, which may include reunification with birth families, placements with extended families or adoption. The rest of the new staff will help to manage the existing caseload, allowing workers more time to spend with children and families.

For more information about becoming a foster parent, visit www.cr.gov.sk.ca.

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For more information, contact:

Jeff Bohach
Community Resources
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0916