Child, Youth and Family Services
Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs
October 15, 2010
Foster Families Celebrated Across the Province
The Honourable Joan Burke, Minister of Child, Youth and Family
Services, today acknowledged the dedication of foster parents in their
tremendous efforts to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable
children and youth. National Foster Families Week is celebrated the
third week of October and runs this year from October 17 to 23.
"As Foster Families Week approaches, it is a fitting time to say
thank you to our foster parents across the province," said Minister
Burke. "Foster families play an essential role in our child protection
system as they enable children to have a safe, caring and nurturing home
environment while they are not able to live with their own families. I
hope that foster parents will take the opportunity to participate in
events planned in their local communities next week to recognize the
work that they do throughout the year."
Minister Burke also acknowledged participants who are taking part in
a symposium in Hopedale this weekend entitled Caring for our Children
in which foster parents will take part in professional development
workshops.
The Honourable Patty Pottle, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, will
attend the symposium on behalf of Minister Burke and the Provincial
Government. In conjunction with the Newfoundland and Labrador Foster
Families Association, Minister Pottle will officially proclaim Foster
Families Week during the opening ceremonies. The event takes place at
the Amos Comenius Memorial School on October 15 at 4:00 p.m.
"I am delighted to be attending the symposium as there is no greater
priority than our children," said Minister Pottle. "This government is
committed to working with our foster parents to strengthen the foster
care system and to ensure that regional and cultural challenges are
addressed."
The symposium is being hosted by the Nunatsiavut Government, the
Provincial Government, and the Labrador Grenfell Regional Health
Authority through Health Canada's Aboriginal Health Transition Fund.
Keith Russell, Minister of the Department of Health and Social
Development for the Nunatsiavut Government, notes this is the first time
foster parents from the region have been able to gather in such a forum
to discuss important issues.
"The Nunatsiavut Government recognizes the invaluable work of our
foster parents who have opened their homes and hearts to make a
difference in the lives of our children, families and communities," said
Minister Russell.
The Newfoundland and Labrador Foster Families Association will also
host a kick-off event for Foster Families Week on Sunday, October 17, at
the Rotary Sunshine Camp in St. John's. Child, Youth and Family Services
offices, in partnership with local foster family associations, will also
be marking the week with events in communities across the province to
celebrate the work of foster parents and to raise awareness about
fostering.
"This week is about saying thank you to those families who step up to
support children in our communities," said Diane Molloy, Executive
Director of the Newfoundland and Labrador Foster Families Association.
"It is important to acknowledge their commitment and unwavering
dedication to the support and well-being of children who have found
themselves in difficult life situations."
There are currently 573 foster families in the province and they play
a critical role in supporting the department's overall mandate to keep
children safe.
"Fostering is an essential community service that has immense rewards
for both families and foster children," said Minister Burke. "By
becoming a foster parent, you are improving a child's chances to succeed
in life. I encourage anyone who has considered fostering to come forward
to discuss the application process."
For further information about Foster Families Week or becoming a
foster parent, contact a local CYFS office or the provincial department
at 709-729-7185. Information is also available through the Newfoundland
and Labrador Foster Families Association toll free at 1-877-754-0218.
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