FREDERICTON (GNB) – The following message was issued today by Social Development Minister Dorothy Shephard in recognition of National Foster Family Week, Oct. 17-21:
Foster Family Week is a great time to highlight and promote the selflessness and commitment of the numerous foster families that open their homes to New Brunswick children and youth. Although the priority is supporting families in the care of their children, foster families step in as an invaluable resource when this is not possible.
Foster families provide safe, nurturing, and supportive homes to hundreds of children under the care of the government until they can be reunited with their families. They provide high-quality care to the children living in their home, often teaming up with community partners as well as the child’s family.
The Department of Social Development is continuously working on increasing the number of foster homes available in New Brunswick. More families and individuals are responding to the call. There are about 354 foster homes providing a child or youth with the support, stability and nurturing they need. They all deserve our utmost admiration and appreciation.
Anyone who would like to learn more about becoming a foster parent can call Social Development at 1-833-733-7835 or visit its website.
To all of our very precious foster families, I sincerely thank them for their dedicated efforts to foster hope, resilience, connection, and joy for children and youth in need.
17-10-22