Aboriginal children in care desperately need homes.

EDMONTON

A public service announcement, created by the Canadian Foster Families Association (CFFA) and funded by the B.C. government, will be playing in Empire Theaters across Canada this October as part of the Foster Family Month in B.C.

The goal of the announcement is to increase awareness about adoption and foster care across the board of Canada, not only to show appreciation for current foster parents, but also to encourage more people to become foster parents.

"The Canadian Foster Parent Association is delighted to have had the opportunity to develop this public service announcement, and we are immensely grateful to the Province of British Columbia and Empire Theatres for their support," said CFFA president Sheila Durnford in a news release. "The message will be shown in theatres across Canada, and we hope it will encourage more people to consider fostering or adopting a child."

Approximately 76,000 children in Canada are under the protection of Child and Family Services across the country (based on numbers as reported in Child Welfare in Canada 2000.)

According to the Aboriginal Federation of foster care's Web site, 51 per cent of children removed from their homes and placed in foster care have Aboriginal status and between 1995-2001 there was a 71.5 per cent increase in the number of on-reserve children with status being placed in foster care. Approximately 35 per cent of children in care are adopted by their foster family.

There is always a need for more individuals and families to become foster parents. There is an ongoing effort to recruit foster parents of all cultural, social and ethnic backgrounds, so that children in care can maintain their cultural and community connections.

The biggest credentials a foster parent needs are a wish to provide a protective, compassionate and supportive atmosphere and create a positive experience in a child's life. According to the Aboriginal Federation of Foster Parents, in order to become a foster parent of Aboriginal children and youth, applicants must be over the age of 19 and have the maturity to provide care and guidance to children and youth. It is preferred that they possess a clear understanding of Aboriginal culture and traditions, and a willingness to share these teachings with children in the home.

In most foster services, the to do list for new parents consists of a prescreening or home viewing, child welfare check. Three references are needed, as well as a medical report, criminal record check, and first aid requirement. Training and preparation for licensing are usually provided by an organization such as one of the following local organizations:

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The Ben Calf Robe Society, an Edmonton based organization that offers an Aboriginal Head Start program, a traditional parenting program, home and family support services and a group home.

The Catholic Social Services also has a program that recruits, trains, and provides support services to foster parents as well as information sessions held by the program once a month in the evenings.

Calgary Child and Family Services is another organization that offers services to potential foster parents. They host'awareness evenings' once a month as well as an information line for any questions or concerns about becoming a foster parent.

According to a fact sheet provided by the government of B.C., there are three different types of foster homes and each child has a specific care plan:

Restricted foster homes are usually the homes of relatives or family friends who have a significant relationship with the child.

Regular foster homes provide care for up to six children of varying ages and needs. Usually, the foster family has not previously known these children. Specialized foster homes provide supervision and three different levels of care for children with physical, mental, behavioural or emotional needs. These foster parents receive an additional monthly service payment between $397 and $2,509 per child, depending on the level of care they provide, and the needs of the child.

Every foster child has a care plan that outlines the type of care required to meet his or her circumstances, and a plan to either return the child to the parents or to another permanent home. For many children in continuing care, foster families provide a permanent home right through to adult life, while also supporting the child's ongoing connection to their families and communities.

BY CHEREISE MORRIS

Sweetgrass Staff Writer