LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON
Linda Simpson thinks she's gotten as much out of being a foster parent as her foster child has.

Connie McNab, left, the manager of child, youth and family services with the Dehcho Health and Social Services Authority presents Gary Scarfe and Edith Isaiah with flowers and certificates during the annual foster parent appreciation dinner on Oct. 30. - Roxanna Thompson/NNSL photo

Simpson became a foster parent in Fort Simpson in September after finding out about a teenager attending school who was in need of a place to live.

"He had the need and I had the room and the solution," she said.

Simpson was one of a number of foster parents in the village who were recognized on Oct. 30 during the annual foster parent appreciation dinner organized by the Dehcho Health and Social Services Authority. Across the Deh Cho there are currently approximately 25 families involved in the foster parent program.

Simpson said being a foster parent has given her the opportunity to do more cooking, something she enjoys, and have some company in her house. If there's another youth in need who matches her abilities and what she has to offer, Simpson said she plans to continuing fostering.

"There are always going to be youth that need someone to care," she said.

"If they receive the attention and caring, they stand a better chance of growing up to be successful adults."

Connie McNab, the authority's manager of child, youth and family services, has seen the positive effects foster parents can have. With 20 years in the field of social work, some of the children she saw in foster care when she started are now adults, some with children on their own.

"I've seen them succeed," she said.

It's important to recognize the contributions that foster parents make to children and families in the region, said McNab.

"As social workers, without their support and help, we can't do what we do," she said.

"The commitment of foster parents never ceases to amaze me and touch my heart."

Both Fort Simpson Mayor Sean Whelly and Liidlii Kue First Nation sub-chief Steven Jose spoke at the dinner and thanked the foster parents for their contributions to the community.

"You guys open up your arms for other kids," Jose said.

Foster parents in other Deh Cho communities were also recognized during National Foster Family Appreciation Week, which takes place annually on the third week of October. In Fort Providence, foster parents were invited to a tea and those in Fort Liard were given gifts.

There have been foster parents in every Deh Cho community but there is currently a need for more foster homes or respite care homes, said McNab.

Karla Kraus is also a foster parent in Fort Simpson. It's important for the community to have a foster parent program, she said.

"So the kids don't have to go out of town, so they can stay near their family," said Kraus.

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