October 21-27 is National Foster Family Week and an opportunity to celebrate and recognize foster families for their commitment to our most vulnerable children, says Valerie E. Docherty Minister of Community Services and Seniors.
“We can never truly measure the significant contribution of our Island foster parents in the lives of children,” Docherty said. “The positive experiences of foster parents and the children in their care indicate the rewards for everyone involved in this unique experience.”
Each and every day across this province, foster families open their hearts and their homes to children until they can be safely reunited with their families or transition to other lifelong family relationships.
The role of a foster parent can be demanding and challenging; however, the reward of making a positive and lasting impact in the life of a child makes it worthwhile.
Wayne MacFarlane, President of the Prince Edward Island Federation of Foster Families and a foster parent himself, says there is a need for more foster parents and urges anyone considering this important role to step forward.
“We need more foster parents,” he said. “More children are coming into care and, due to the number of foster parents leaving because of age, or just not being able to provide the necessary care, we have an immediate need.”
The Prince Edward Island Federation of Foster Families is holding its annual general meeting on Saturday, October 20. The Federation is expecting a record turnout as foster parents come together to promote being successful through teamwork. There are approximately 85 foster homes in Prince Edward Island providing care to children from infancy to adolescence.
Wendy McCourt, provincial Director of Child Protection, says the Department of Community Services and Seniors and foster parents work as a team to provide quality service to children in care. “Please join with us in extending sincere appreciation for the invaluable work of our foster parents this week and throughout the year,” she said.
Foster parents may be any age and family composition. If you are interested in learning more about becoming a foster parent, please contact Child Protection Services at 368-5330 or 888-8100 or Wayne MacFarlane at (902) 393-2265 or waynemacfarlane@pei.sympatico.ca.
In Charlottetown/Montague/Souris, contact Cathy Ada, Provincial Resource Supervisor, Phone (902) 368-5381, Fax (902) 368-6186 or e-mail cada@ihis.org.
In Summerside/O’Leary, contact Alice Maund, Provincial Resource Supervisor, Phone (902) 888-8130, Fax (902) 888-8085 or e-mail ajmaund@ihis.org.