Child, Youth and Family Services
October 20, 2014

Fostering Benefits Communities and Families

Province Recognizes Foster Families Week 2014

The third week of October marks National Foster Families Week, which runs this year from October 19 to 25. Currently, there are 565 foster families located throughout Newfoundland and Labrador dedicated to helping children and youth through complex situations by providing safe and nurturing homes.

“Foster families are significant contributors to the well-being of our children, youth and communities as a whole. We are dedicated to creating the best possible placement options for children and youth who are unable to remain safely in their homes, and foster homes are a critical component of our continuum of care. Foster Families Week is an opportunity to both celebrate and thank foster families for their dedication and commitment to children and youth in care. It allows us to shine a light on the valuable role they play in providing a safe, stable, caring environment, as well as their efforts in keeping children connected to their families and communities.”
- The Honourable Sandy Collins, Minister of Child, Youth and Family Services

The Department of Child, Youth and Family Services continues to revitalize the child protection system in the province through enhancing out-of-home care options for children and youth, and working closely with the Newfoundland and Labrador Foster Families Association to recruit and support foster parents throughout the province.

“Foster families provide a safe, nurturing home for children, and work as part of a team to support families in our province. They open their hearts and homes to children who are experiencing a difficult time in their lives, and words cannot adequately express the thanks they deserve for everything they do to help children along their life journey. As we celebrate Foster Families Week, we express appreciation and thanks to foster families for the positive impact they have on our children, families, communities and province. They are to be commended.”
- Diane Molloy, Executive Director of the Newfoundland and Labrador Foster Families Association

In an effort to recruit new foster families in the St. John’s and surrounding area, the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services, along with Allan Hawco from the Republic of Doyle, will host an event to promote awareness of the need for foster parents. The event will take place on Saturday, October 25, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at The Rooms.

Further information about Foster Families Week is available through local Child, Youth and Family Services offices. For information on becoming a foster parent, call toll-free 1-855-863-6111, or visit www.fosterafuture.ca . Information is also available through the Newfoundland and Labrador Foster Families Association toll-free at 1-877-754-0218.

QUICK FACTS

• National Foster Families Week 2014 is being celebrated October 19-25.
• Fostering means providing temporary and sometimes longer-term care for children and youth who cannot live with their own families.
• Currently, there are 565 foster families located throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.
• Further information about becoming a foster parent can be obtained by calling 1-855-863-6111, or visiting www.fosterafuture.ca .

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2014 10 20                                                               10:45 a.m.