The Government of Saskatchewan is committed to putting children and youth first, and to ensuring a better life for these vulnerable members of society.
While the number of children entering care has remained at or below average levels since December 2019, the number of children in care has increased because fewer children have transitioned away from care than have entered.
Our goal is continuous strengthening of the system and improved outcomes for children in care by addressing these critical areas:
- Investing in services that:
- keep children with family whenever possible;
- ensure that extended family care providers receive the supports they need;
- expand supports for children and youth in community-based care; and,
- continue to build our foster care program.
- Investing in prevention programs
- Improving transitions for youth leaving care
- Collaborating with Indigenous partners
Internet Statistics - 3rd Quarter
Dec 31/18 | Dec 31/19 | Dec 31/20 | Dec 31/21 | Dec 31/22 | |
Children in care1 | 3,199 | 3,412 | 3,692 | 3,565 | 3,743 |
Non wards2 | 2,038 | 2,077 | 2,133 | 2,163 | 2,131 |
Foster Homes3 | 498 | 495 | 478 | 465 | 465 |
Foster homes with more than four foster children4 | 37 | 31 | 30 | 34 | 40 |
Children living in foster homes with more than four children | 226 | 197 | 181 | 198 | 226 |
All data is taken from Linkin and includes children in the care of the ministry and those children apprehended off-reserve whose case management has been transferred to a First Nation Child and Family Services Agency on reserve.
- This number includes wards and those children with apprehended status.
- This number includes children/youth who are placed by court order in the custody of a designated Person of Sufficient Interest caregiver.
- Foster Homes – include approved providers with Regular Foster Care, Therapeutic Foster Care or both.
- 'Children' refers to children in care.
Children in Care in Saskatchewan 2018-2022
Province-Wide

Children in Care in Saskatchewan 2018-2022
by Region

* As of December 31 of each year.
** From April 1, 2019, to November 30, 2020, FNA transfer cases were counted under Centre.
**** FNA transfer and other ministry cases managed by First Nations Child and Family Services Agencies are now counted under Indigenous Services Provincial.
***** As a result of the above changes, the total caseload for Centre increased around April 2019 and decreased in December 2020.
All data is taken from monthly Linkin extract and includes active cases at month end.
Number of Foster Home Providers
over the Recommended Number of Four
# of Children in the Home |
December 2021 | December 2022 | ||
# of Homes | Total Children5 | # of Homes | Total Children | |
5 | 16 | 80 | 21 | 105 |
6 | 10 | 60 | 13 | 78 |
7 | 6 | 42 | 5 | 35 |
8 | 2 | 16 | 1 | 8 |
34 | 198 | 40 | 226 |
* As of December 31 of each year – using foster homes and counting placement types of Regular, Therapeutic, and Ranch Ehrlo Treatment Foster Care (prior to December 2020, this category of foster care was included within Therapeutic Foster Care).
5 Children refers to children in care.