Province launches campaign to recruit more foster parents

Melissa Jones grew up with foster siblings and is now the Executive Director, Alberta Foster and Kinship Association. “Foster parents play such an important role. You are the temporary connection and support system children and youth in care need, to help stay connected to their families and communities as they walk through a challenging time of their lives.” said Jones. She added “the connection foster parents build with foster children lasts a lifetime, with many caregivers hearing their foster children for years to come.”

This campaign to recruit more foster parents is part of ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Children’s Services to create more stability in the system, reduce the number of moves and minimize disruption during a child’s time in care.

The government says there is “no cookie-cutter” approach as to who can become a foster parent. They can be single, have a partner, currently raising children or are an empty nester. They can live in the city, a small town or in the country. “Foster parents are everyday people people–just like you. If you have ever considered becoming a foster parent, now is the time. Children all over Alberta are in need of a safe place to temporarily call home, said Monique McCardle, foster parent.

Albertans interested in making a difference in the life of a child by becoming a foster parent can learn more by calling 1-844-957-0552 or emailing fostercaregiving@gov.ab.ca.

Interested Albertans can also apply to be part-time or respite foster caregivers, so that full-time caregivers can recharge.

by Regan Tate

Province launches campaign to recruit more foster parents

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