Child, Youth and Family Services
 October 19, 2015

Supporting Children, Youth and Families Through Fostering

Provincial Government Recognizes National Foster Families Week 2015

National Foster Families Week, which takes place annually during the third week of October, is being celebrated this year from October 18 to 24. Foster parents and children, joined representatives from the Newfoundland and Labrador Foster Families Association and the Provincial Government to mark the significant role foster families play in the life of a child or youth in care.

�Nurturing, advocacy, teamwork, training and support, these are all key to the fostering experience and the work foster families do each and every day to support children and youth who are in care. It is because of the dedication, expertise and commitment to children and youth who need it the most that we celebrate all of our foster parents, especially during National Foster Families Week 2015. As well, we thank you � our foster families � for welcoming a child or youth into your homes and most importantly, into your hearts.�
- The Honourable Sandy Collins, Minister of Child, Youth and Family Services

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador continues to drive positive change and revitalize the province�s child protection system through enhancements to out-of-home care options for children and youth. In addition, the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services has an ongoing and collaborative working relationship with the Newfoundland and Labrador Foster Families Association that assists with creating further awareness on fostering, supporting current foster parents and recruiting new foster families.

�Foster Families Week recognizes and celebrates foster families and the contribution they make in their communities. Our foster families understand that it takes a community to raise a child and they step up to support children and families along their life journey. We encourage anyone who is considering fostering to contact the Foster Families Association or the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services in order to take the next step.�
- Diane Molloy, Executive Director of the Newfoundland and Labrador Foster Families Association

Currently, there are 570 foster families located throughout the province. To learn more about fostering or becoming a foster parent, call the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services� toll-free number 1-855-683-8111 or visit www.fosterafuture.ca external link. Information and support about fostering is also available through the Newfoundland and Labrador Foster Families Association�s toll-free number 1-877-754-0218.

QUICK FACTS

  • The week of October 18-24 marks National Foster Families Week 2015.
  • Fostering provides temporary and sometimes longer-term care for children and youth who are unable to live with their families.
  • Foster families play a significant role in the life of a child or youth in their care by offering a supportive, nurturing and safe environment.
  • Throughout Newfoundland and Labrador there are currently 570 foster families.
  • Further information about becoming a foster parent or obtaining more information on fostering is available by calling 1-855-683-8111 or visiting www.fosterafuture.ca external link.

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Media contacts:

Melony O�Neill
Director of Communications
Department of Child, Youth and Family Services
709-729-5148, 689-0928
melonyoneill@gov.nl.ca 		Diane Molloy
Executive Director
Newfoundland and Labrador Foster Families Association
709-754-0213
dianemolloy@nfld.net

2015 10 19                             10:10 a.m.