“I can’t say enough about our foster parent program in this province, or the amazing people involved,” Social Services Minister Paul Merriman said. “They open their homes, and their hearts, to children and youth in times when their families are in crisis. There really is no better way to give back to other families, or to the community.”

The Saskatchewan Foster Families Association is a non-profit, community-based organization that manages recruitment, training and support for foster families in partnership with the Government of Saskatchewan.

“The foster parent program is about families helping families,” Saskatchewan Foster Families Association Executive Director Deb Davies said. “I’ve been involved in fostering for over 35 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.”

Unlike many jurisdictions in North America, Saskatchewan has recently seen an increase in the number of approved foster homes in operation across the province.

“This is one area where I’m very pleased to say we are beginning to buck the trend,” Minister Merriman said. “Just under a year ago, we began providing our world-class training program for foster parents online, which has made it much more convenient for prospective families to join the program. We also attribute the increase to the Saskatchewan Foster Families Association, and their tireless support of foster families.”

Despite the increase, the need for foster homes for Saskatchewan children remains high, especially in certain areas of the province. Last year, the Saskatchewan Foster Families Association launched the “Foster New Beginnings” campaign to raise awareness of the need for more foster families. The campaign is currently running in Regina, and the province’s north-east.

For more information about foster families in Saskatchewan or what is required to become a foster parent, please call the Saskatchewan Foster Families Association 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