FREDERICTON (GNB) – A new assessment tool designed to evaluate all prospective foster parents and those looking to adopt will be implemented by the province. Social Development Minister Madeleine Dubé made the announcement today.

A jurisdictional and external review of the province's foster and adoption application process found New Brunswick to be consistent with other jurisdictions across the country. The one difference was the assessment tool many provinces use to gather and analyze information from applicants.

"New Brunswick will be adopting the SAFE model as the new assessment procedure in the province," said Dubé. "This new tool will enhance our application process and help ensure that the foster and adoptive parents approved are capable of providing a caring, nurturing and safe environment for children in care."

SAFE, which stands for Structured Analysis Family Evaluation, is a standardized home-study assessment tool that produces a more in-depth, concise and comprehensive report than a traditional home study.

The model's unique information-gathering, analysis tools and procedures enable social workers to complete home studies in a more efficient and consistent manner. It is designed to identify specific family strengths and address issues of concern.

The Department of Social Development already requires prospective foster or adoptive parents to undergo a mandatory home assessment and to participate in Parent Resource, Information, Development and Education (PRIDE) pre-service program training as part of a three-phase evaluation process for anyone interested in providing a home for children in care.

The SAFE model enhances the department's current assessment process and complements the work of PRIDE. These two components work together to ensure the best possible assessment of the potential foster or adoptive parent.

"The home study process is critical to ensure children in care are placed with individuals who will act in the child's best interest and with their safety and well-being in mind," said Dubé.  "SAFE is considered one of the best home assessment models available in North America and is used by many jurisdictions across Canada. I am pleased that New Brunswick will now be among them."

Preparations are underway to introduce the new assessment model with full implementation expected in 2014.

EDITORS’ NOTE: Kate Cleary, executive director, Consortium for Children, is available for media interviews to discuss the SAFE procedure in greater detail. She can be contacted in California at 415-305-4056. Please note there is a four-hour time difference between New Brunswick and California.


15-10-13