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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