Jennifer McPhee
Northern News Services

Iqaluit (Apr 22/02) - Rapid population growth is causing a shortage of foster parents in Iqaluit.

"It's worse than in the past," says health and social services director Doug Sage. "Imagine doubling the size of the population and not correspondingly expanding the size of resources."

Sage says the shortage means the department has less flexibility when placing children in homes.

"It's harder to match children with the right kind of home," he says. "Usually that means if foster homes are crowded, we can't put children from the same family together."

He says the department needs at least a dozen more available homes in Iqaluit.

"You don't want homes full, you want them available," he adds. "There are times when you are concerned the kind of home you need isn't available for children."

Sage declines to say how many children in Iqaluit live with foster families, pointing out the number is ever-changing.

But he does say many people find foster parenting rewarding.

"It's a way to help fellow community members," he says. "People who've done it for many years find it personally satisfying."

Sherri Robertson sure does. A foster parent for about a year, she says she enjoys taking care of children. She thinks there's no excuse for the shortage.

"My dad is a social worker," says Robertson. "He says you can't complain about the system unless you're part of the solution."

Robertson says the two main reasons people don't become foster parents are: lack of time, and a fear of growing too attached to the children.

But she has two good arguments to counter these claims.

"How could you not have time, especially if you already have kids? One more is not a big deal."

Growing attached is a risk in any relationship, she says. "You can't avoid all relationships."