Despite the recent increase in the number of foster homes across Saskatchewan, the province has been experiencing steady declines over the past five years similar to most jurisdictions across North America. The need for foster homes for Saskatchewan children remains very high, especially in certain areas of the province. Last year SFFA launched the “Foster New Beginnings” campaign with advertising and outreach to human service organizations to raise awareness of the need for more foster families.

“The initial campaigns targeted communities throughout Saskatchewan and as a result, we have increased the number of foster families in those areas and across the entire province,” SFFA Executive Director Deb Davies said. “However, there are babies and children in communities across northeast Saskatchewan that also need a safe and loving home.”

SFFA is a community-based organization that provides support for prospective and approved foster parents across Saskatchewan. They jointly deliver training with the Ministry of Social Services through a globally recognized program to support foster families to provide a home environment that is safe, caring and respectful.

"We have a world-class training program to support interested individuals in becoming an approved foster home, and we were the first province in Canada to offer this training online,” Social Services Minister Paul Merriman said. “If you have been looking for a way to really make a difference in the lives of children in need, becoming a foster parent is the best way to do that. It’s a phenomenal, life-changing experience to welcome a vulnerable child into your home, and provide him or her with safety, security, belonging and love.”

“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,” Davies said. “I first became a foster parent 35 years ago and I have to say that the program has evolved into a highly supportive network to provide the best care for vulnerable children while their families are in crisis. The one thing that hasn’t changed, however, is that the program is based on individuals and families helping other families.”

For more information about foster families in Saskatchewan or what is required to become a foster parent, please call the SFFA at 1-800-667-7002 or visit their website at www.saskfosterfamilies.ca.

For more information, contact:

Leya Moore
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-3610
Email: leya.moore@gov.sk.ca

Deb Davies
Saskatchewan Foster Families Association
Saskatoon
Phone: 306-270-3172
Email: deb@sffa.sk.ca