The Province recognizes the important role foster parents play in the lives of Island children and have committed to help with continued recruitment and retention efforts by increasing the monthly compensation rates for foster parents, says Minister of Family and Human Services Doug Currie.
“The impact that foster parents have on the children they care for is immeasurable,” said Minister Currie. “The number of foster parents across the province is declining. To help recruit more Islanders to this rewarding role, the province is increasing the monthly compensation provided to foster families by $200 per month.”
There are currently fewer than 70 foster homes on Prince Edward Island; on average there are approximately 225 children in care each year on Prince Edward Island. Families provide short or long-term care for children up to 18 years of age. Foster families receive monthly compensation based on the need of the child and level of care provided.
“We are very pleased to see government following through with promises made during the last election campaign,” said Wayne MacFarlane, President of the PEI Federation of Foster Families. “Fostering children is a demanding job and this increase provides incentive to those who may be interested in opening their homes to children in need of safe havens. We hope this funding will attract new individuals to this important role as well as retain those who are already involved.”
The Province appreciates the work that the PEI Federation of Foster Families does to recruit and retain foster parents and will continue to work closely with them to help with these efforts.
“Foster parents can change the lives of the children they care for. They open their homes and their hearts to provide children with the safety and they need during difficult times,” said Minister Currie. “These are gifts that our children will carry with them for the rest of their lives and we all appreciate the work foster parents do to contribute to a richer society for all Islanders.”
The province has also created a website dedicated to information about becoming a foster parent. More information is available at www.gov.pe.ca/beafosterparent.