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SAHTU
More foster homes are needed throughout the Northwest Territories and the Sahtu region is now actively recruiting, says the region's foster care co-ordinator.

"There always is really a call for foster parents," Lisa Pelletier said. "We just never seem to have enough homes."

Pelletier said ideally, she would like to see 20 approved foster homes operating in the region. Having more homes allows co-ordinators to better match children to their foster families. It also provides an opportunity for respite, which means foster families can take a break.

Most importantly, Pelletier said having more homes increase the likelihood of a child staying in his or her hometown.

"The reality is sometimes we just don't have enough homes to keep a child in his home community," she said. "The more homes we have, the better."

Pelletier said Fort Good Hope usually has four or five foster homes, the most foster homes in the region.

The Sahtu region usually has a total of about ten homes, which includes provisional homes. provisional homes. Provisional homes typically take the form of a family friend, a neighbour or an extended family member who steps in to take children temporarily.

It usually takes a couple of months for a foster home to be approved, but that timeline depends on a number of factors Any adults living in the home must submit a criminal records check and foster parents undergo a medical exam to make sure they are physically able to take care of a child. There is also a home-study visit to make sure the home is suitable and the family must provide references.

Pelletier said the same rules apply to provisional foster parents, but the process is much faster.

Tammy Krivda, the executive director of the Foster Family Coalition of the NWT, said there is a need for more foster families not just in the Sahtu region, but across the territory and Canada.

There are 320 children and youth in the care of Health and Social Services right now, Krivda said.

But the number of foster homes dropped to 241 in 2011 from 368 in 2007.

"There has been a drop in the last few years and the number of kids has gone up," she said.

Krivda said the NWT needs better standards and training for its foster care system. There is currently no maximum limit on the number of children that can be placed in a foster home and the territory needs more training programs.

Both Krivda and Pat Strus want that to change.

Strus is the coalition's president and has been a foster parent in Yellowknife for 20 years.

Foster families receive a per diem to reimburse expenses, but Strus said basic rates have not increased since becoming a foster parent two decades ago.

Rates in the NWT range from $24 to $47 per day and are based on factors such as the remoteness of a community and the age of the child.

"I'm still being paid the same base rate," Strus said. "Our rates have fallen way behind other jurisdictions in Canada. We also really badly need foster care standards."

In other parts of Canada, foster families can receive higher rates if they take additional training - an option that isn't currently available in the NWT.

Strus said providing more training to the territory's foster families will not only help offset the costs of fostering, but will equip families with the skills they need to deal with challenges.

"You need an additional skill set for children who are in care, they've been traumatized by being separated from their families," she said. "They have experienced, at the very least, neglect, or they wouldn't be in care. They're grieving as well."

Krivda said making sure families have the appropriate skills will help reduce problems and prevent the need to move children to a new home if issues arise.

"Research indicates that if foster parents receive adequate training, there will be less moves for the kids," she said.

Krivda said the territory needs to invest more money to provide more training opportunities and increase compensation for foster families. This will encourage more families to get involved and help support those already fostering.

"Our goal is to make sure they're properly supported so we can hang on to them," she said.

Pelletier said Parent Resources for Information, Development and Education training (PRIDE) will be conducted in the Sahtu region this spring. The program provides information and basic training for potential foster parents.

Pelletier said the first training program will begin in Fort Good Hope in March and she hopes to visit other communities in the region as well.

Krivda said she will also be visiting Inuvik, Tuktoyaktuk and Fort Smith to deliver training, which will also be available in Yellowknife.

Pelletier said fostering is beneficial for everyone involved.

"It's not just making a difference in a child's life, it's building a stronger, healthier community," she said.

Strus said she agreed.

"There really is nothing that can compare to being a positive influence in the life of a child," she said. "I really encourage people to come forward if they have it in their hearts to do this."

For more information about foster care in the NWT, visit the Foster Family Coalition website or contact a regional health and social services authority.

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