Released on November 1, 2017
The Saskatchewan Foster Families Association (SFFA) is launching a public awareness campaign in the Prince Albert area to encourage interested individuals and families to consider fostering vulnerable infants and sibling groups so they can stay together and in their community.
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 Prince Albert 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. It delivers training through a globally-recognized program to support foster families to provide a home environment that is safe, caring and respectful.
“We were the first in Canada to begin providing our world-class training program for foster parents online,” Social Services Minister Paul Merriman said. “While making the training more convenient for busy families has resulted in a recent increase in the number of approved foster homes, the need for more foster families remains significant. I urge Prince Albert area residents to look into becoming a foster parent – it’s a wonderful way to give back.”
“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