Minister Proclaims Foster Families Week 2013

At the annual Foster Families Week kick-off, members of the Newfoundland and Labrador Foster Families Association, foster families, children and youth joined the Honourable Paul Davis, Minister of Child, Youth and Family Services yesterday (Sunday, October 20) to celebrate the valuable contributions that foster families make in the lives of vulnerable children and youth. National Foster Families Week, which takes place annually during the third week of October, runs this year from October 20 to 26.

“As the Provincial Government continues to strive towards enhancing our child protection system, it is essential that we recognize our dedicated and skilled foster families of today and years gone by,” said Minister Davis. “I am delighted to officially proclaim Foster Families Week 2013 and for the 591 foster families located throughout the province who have opened their hearts and their homes to children and youth in need of safe and nurturing out-of-home placements, a sincere thank you.”

In Budget 2013: A Sound Plan, A Secure Future, a total of $14.3 million was invested to continue the implementation of the Provincial Government’s continuum of care strategy. This strategy, which is improving placement options for children and youth requiring out-of-home care, includes the Foster a Future…Foster a Child Today promotional campaign to recruit new foster parents. Since the campaign began in November 2012, its success continues with the creation of 73 new foster homes to date.

“As we celebrate Foster Families Week, we pay tribute to the wonderful foster families in our province who not only care for children and youth, but also support families and build stronger communities,” said Diane Molloy, Executive Director of the Newfoundland and Labrador Foster Families Association. “The contribution made by foster families is beyond measure as they play such an important role in the lives of children and youth.”

For more information about becoming a foster parent, visit www.FosteraFuture.ca , or contact the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services toll-free at 1-855-683-8111. Information is also available through the Newfoundland and Labrador Foster Families Association toll-free at 1-877-754-0218.

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2013 10 21                                        12:00 p.m.