Sask. social services expands foster family drive to Swift Current

It worked in Yorkton and now the Saskatchewan Foster Families Association and the Ministry of Social Services is expanding the push to get foster families to Swift Current and surrounding areas.

In September, the government and the foster families association launched a successful community drive in Yorkton.

They used billboards, advertising, direct mail and outreach to places like churches and community organizations.

And it worked.

The Ministry of Social Services reported 26 people expressed interest in becoming foster parents in the Yorkton area.

“The community has really stepped up and now we’re very much hoping to replicate that success in Swift Current. If a child has to come into care because it’s not safe in their family home, it’s so important that we have family-based care options in their home community,” said Social Services Minister Tina Beaudry-Mellor in a news release.

“Many different types of individuals and families could potentially be a good fit and we have one of the best training programs in the world to prepare people to take on the role of foster parent,” said Deb Davies, executive director of the Saskatchewan Foster Families Association.

“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.”