Foster home shortage in Yorkton, Government looks for families

The Ministry of Social Services and the Saskatchewan Foster Families Association are collaborating to encourage people in becoming foster parents to vulnerable infants and children in need.

The campaign includes reaching out to people via billboards, advertising, direct mail and outreach to churches and community organizations.

Furthermore, the government says, it is also coming up with netter support system for vulnerable families to return children to their homes safely, or to identify extended family members who can be their alternate care givers. 

Social Services Minister Tina Beaudry-Mellor says Saskatchewan has seen a steady decrease in approved foster homes, just as in other areas across Canada and the United States.

However, she adds the provincial decline over the last four years is around 35 percent but it’s worse when it comes to Yorkton.

“The situation in Yorkton is becoming acute,” Tina Beaudry-Mellor said in a release Tuesday.

“That’s why we are moving forward with this community outreach campaign over the next month to get the word out and ask that people step up and take on this wonderful, challenging, fulfilling and vital role. Many different types of individuals and families could potentially be a good fit,” said Beaudry-Mellor.

The Saskatchewan Foster Families Association is a community-based organisation that provides support for prospective and approved foster parents across the province.

It also delivers training along with the Social Services Ministry.

“I can’t promise becoming a foster parent is easy, but I know from experience it’s one of the most rewarding and meaningful things you can do,” executive director Deb Davies mentioned in the same release.

(Reporting by Debarati Mukherjee)