A new pilot project in Regina called Treatment Foster Care is hoping to improve the lives of children with special needs after reports that the province’s foster care system is in “crisis” according to government reports.

The pilot project follows recommendations issued by the government after a comprehensive review on child welfare stated that “child welfare workers are stressed and frustrated” and “the foster care system is in crisis.”

For the last several months, child and family services has been working in partnership with the Ranch Ehrlo Society on the project, which is modelled after a successful program already in use in Manitoba.

Andrea Brittin with Child and Family Services says they are looking at new and innovative ways to support children and families.

Many of the children are considered high-risk, with behavioural and emotional issues.

Brittin says that the project provides individualized treatment by professionals at the ranch while the child is in their family home. She says these kids would otherwise end up in a group home for treatment.

Two of these specialized foster homes are already done the training. Ranch Ehrlo is currently recruiting for more.

The pilot will be evaluated after six months, at which point the province will decide if the services will be expanded to the rest of the province.

The decision is expected to come sometime after March 2012.

Edited by News Talk Radio's Chris Morin.