October 14, 2011
Celebrating Foster Families Week 2011
The third week of October marks National Foster Families Week, which runs this year from October 16 to 22. The Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister of Child, Youth and Family Services, today acknowledged the valuable contributions and dedication of foster families across Newfoundland and Labrador.
“Foster families are, and will continue to be, a vital part of our child protection system,” said Minister Johnson. “Fostering is challenging, but extremely rewarding work, and I want to thank all foster families for taking on this challenge and ensuring the best interests of children are met.”
There are currently 560 foster families located throughout the province dedicated to helping children and youth through complex situations by providing safe and nurturing homes.
“We understand that stable foster homes are the best possible option for children who cannot safely remain in their own homes,” said Minister Johnson. “We recognize that all areas of the province need new foster homes; therefore, one of our main priorities is to strengthen the foster care system in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
The Department of Child, Youth and Family Services is continuing to revitalize its child protection system, which includes redesigning and enhancing the continuum of out-of-home care for children and youth, as well as working closely with the Newfoundland and Labrador Foster Families Association to recruit and support foster parents throughout the province.
“Foster Families Week is about celebrating foster families and recognizing the valuable contribution they make to the well-being of children in our communities,” said Diane Molloy, Executive Director of the Newfoundland and Labrador Foster Families Association. “Foster parents are key members of a team dedicated to helping children through difficult situations by offering support, hope and a safe environment.”
The Newfoundland and Labrador Foster Families Association will host its annual kick-off event for Foster Families Week on Sunday, October 16, at the Corpus Christi Parish Centre in St. John’s.
For further information about Foster Families Week or becoming a foster parent, contact a local Child, Youth and Family Services 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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Photo: The Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister of Child, Youth and Family Services (CYFS) meets with members of the Newfoundland and Labrador Foster Families Association (NLFFA) to sign the proclamation for Foster Families Week 2011, taking place from October 16 to 22. Front Row: (Left to Right) Ruby Ellsworth, Vice-Chair, NLFFA board; Minister Johnson. Back Row: Steve Halley, social worker, CYFS; Denise Patey, Program Manager, CYFS; Kay Patey, foster parent; Diane Molloy, Executive Director, NLFFA; Melody Morton-Ninomiya, foster parent; Georgina Bown, foster parent; Amy Kendall, social worker, NLFFA.Media contacts:
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Michelle Hunt Director of Communications Department of Child, Youth and Family Services 709-729-5148, 725-1593 MichelleHunt@gov.nl.ca |
Diane Molloy Executive Director Newfoundland and Labrador Foster Families Association 709-754-0213 dianemolloy@nfld.net |
2011 10 14 2:30 p.m.