Released on October 10, 2017
The Saskatchewan Foster Families Association (SFFA) is launching a public awareness campaign in Regina to encourage interested individuals and families to consider fostering vulnerable infants and sibling groups so they can stay together.Despite the recent increase in the number of foster homes across Saskatchewan, the province has been experiencing steady declines over the past five years similar to most jurisdictions across North America.
The need for foster homes for Saskatchewan children remains very high, especially in certain areas of the province. Last year SFFA launched the “Foster New Beginnings” campaign with advertising and outreach to human service organizations to raise awareness of the need for more foster families.
“The initial campaigns targeted communities throughout Saskatchewan and as a result, we have increased the number of foster families in those areas and across the entire province,” SFFA Executive Director Deb Davies said. “However, there are babies and sibling groups in Regina that also need a safe and loving home.”
SFFA is a community-based organization that provides support and training for prospective and approved foster parents across Saskatchewan. They deliver training through a globally-recognized program to support foster families to provide a home environment that is safe, caring and respectful.
“Just under a year ago, we began providing our world-class training program for foster parents online,” Social Services Minister Paul Merriman said. “We were the first in Canada to do so, and we are so pleased that the move to make training more convenient for busy families has resulted in an increase in the number of approved foster homes. However, the need for more foster families remains significant, and I urge Regina-area residents to look into fostering. There really is no better way to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable children.”
“There are needs for all kinds of individuals and families to come together and help foster vulnerable infants and sibling groups,” Davies said. “I first became a foster parent 35 years ago and I have to say that the program has evolved into a highly supportive network to provide the best care for vulnerable children while their families are in crisis. The one thing that hasn’t changed, however, is that the program is based on individuals and families helping other families.”
For more information about foster families in Saskatchewan or what is required to become a foster parent, please call the SFFA at 1-800-667-7002 or visit their website at www.saskfosterfamilies.ca.
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For more information, contact:
Leya Moore
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-3610
Email: leya.moore@gov.sk.ca
Deb Davies
Saskatchewan Foster Families Association
Saskatoon
Phone: 306-270-3172
Email: deb@sffa.sk.ca