News Release Archive
NEWS RELEASE (CNS673) -->> COMMUNITY SERVICES--NATIONAL FOSTER FAMILY WEEK COMMUNITY SERVICES--NATIONAL FOSTER FAMILY WEEK ----------------------------------------------------------------- Foster families from throughout Nova Scotia will be honored for their commitment and generosity during National Foster Family Week from Oct. 20 to 26. This year's theme is "Open Your Home and Your Heart". A number of special events, including banquets, recognition nights, receptions, community displays, and local media campaigns, will be held in various communities across the province. Community Services Minister John MacEachern congratulated and thanked foster parents for their commitment to children in need. "Foster parents are special people because of their willingness to share themselves and their homes in order to give children a new start in life," he said. There are currently 1,513 children in foster care in 650 foster homes throughout the province. Susan Drysdale, manager of adoption and foster care for the Department of Community Services, said the requirement for foster parents has changed considerably in recent years. It is no longer necessary, she said, to be a married couple with one parent in the home. Single parents, divorced, and working couples have accepted the challenge of foster parenting. Foster parents receive assistance from the Department of Community Services to help cover the cost of board, clothing and other expenses. If a child has special needs, a family may be eligible for additional funding. A toll-free number (1-800-565-1884) to the Foster Family Federation is in service 24 hours a day to provide additional information of foster parenting. -30- Contact: Susan Drysdale 902-424-3205 trp Oct. 17, 1996 - 2 p.m.