Foster Families Appreciation Week, October 19-25, 2008
"Thank you for sharing your home," says 10-year old Michaela, a foster child who's art work is featured as part of this year's Foster Family Appreciation week.
Oct. 19 to 25 is Foster Family Appreciation week in Nova Scotia, and a way to recognize the valuable and dedicated contribution foster families make to the lives of children and youth in need of a good home.
"Foster families open their hearts and provide support, love and a safe home for children who are unable to remain with their birth parents," said Judy Streatch, Minister of Community Services. "Foster Family Appreciation week recognizes the inspiration and hope our foster families give to the children and youth in their care, each and every day."
There are more than 800 foster families in Nova Scotia. Recruitment of new foster families and orientation sessions are held year-round, but the third week in October is set aside each year to recognize the commitment foster families provide to children and youth in care of the province.
"By being a foster family my husband and children and I have learned how much we are needed and how much we can really change the life of a child," said foster parent Mary Smith of Halifax Regional Municipality. "The rewards you get back are seen in their faces and actions. They truly are a blessing."
As part of the annual celebration, the Department of Community Services' Foster Care program hosts an art and poetry contest for children and young people. The selected art entry was created by Michaela, age 10, while the author of the selected poetry submission was Roy, age 16. Their entries can be viewed below.
The department will also present certificates of recognition to foster families for every five years that they have cared for young people.
All foster families must attend comprehensive training programs, covering topics like sensitivity, the developmental needs of children and non-violent crisis intervention. Experienced foster parent trainers share their knowledge and help deliver the Parent Resource: Information, Development and Education training with Community Services and the Federation of Foster Families of Nova Scotia. Foster parents also receive financial support from Community Services to help with the costs of caring for the children or youth in their care.
"I want to thank the many foster families across Nova Scotia for their dedication, commitment and compassion in supporting the children and youth in their care," said Ms. Streatch.
More information about foster care, including how families can take the first steps toward becoming involved, is available on this website, or by calling the 24-hour, toll-free number at 1-800-565-1884.
My Life
This is a poem about my life
The best thing that even happened when it changed my life
When I was a child I had a hard life to live through
My parents went down a terrible path that I had to witness
But at last I went into foster care
I met my foster parents
The best time of my life
My friend from the past is my brother at last
Watching over me, God took my soul and made it better
I lost people that were close to me
They fought in the war - served their country
Gave their lives so our world could be better
That was a sad time
I lost my father before I knew him
I wish I had the time to be his son
The truth I did not know
That broke my soul
And created the path I was about to take
It put me on the straight and narrow
And gave me a break
So now I have a great outlook on life
Thanks to my special foster parents who are now my life
I know I will make great choices for my future at last
I will live in the present and forget the past
- Roy, age 16