Saskatchewan Celebrating Foster Families Month

Released on September 23, 2020

The Government of Saskatchewan has proclaimed October as Foster Families Month to celebrate the many contributions of foster families across the province.

“Children and youth in care need a place to call home – no matter how short or long their stay,” Social Services Minister Paul Merriman said.  “Foster families provide love, compassion and stability to children and youth in need. While we can’t physically celebrate together this year due to the pandemic, we recognize and thank all foster families for the days, months and years they’ve spent supporting children and helping other families.”

The Saskatchewan Foster Families Association (SFFA) manages recruitment, training and support for foster families, in partnership with the Government of Saskatchewan.  They are currently running a number of recruitment drives across the province to encourage people to learn more about becoming a foster parent.

“The foster parent program is about families helping families,” SFFA Executive Director Deb Davies said.  “I’ve been involved in fostering for over 39 years, first as a foster parent and then through my role with the association.  My experiences have provided me with many opportunities to give back.  But, what I’ve received from the families I’ve helped to support – what I’ve learned from them, and the impact they have had on me as a person – is immeasurable.”

Retention and recruitment of foster families remains a priority for the Ministry of Social Services and the SFFA.  Of the 495 current foster families in Saskatchewan being celebrated this month, 48 families have been fostering for 20 years or more, demonstrating that being a foster parent can be a rewarding lifetime career.  These families have spent decades providing children and youth a safe, loving and stable home in times when their families are in crisis.

Anyone interested in learning more about how they can help vulnerable children, youth and their families, or what is required to become a foster parent, is encouraged to call the Saskatchewan Foster Families Association at 1-800-667-7002 or visit 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