October is Foster Families Month in Newfoundland and Labrador

October is Foster Families Month in Newfoundland and Labrador, recognizing foster parents and kinship caregivers who provide safe and supportive homes for children and youth unable to live with their families.

The provincial government says it is investing $8 million to strengthen support for foster families and kinship caregivers. The funding includes increased compensation rates, expanded training opportunities and improvements to the application process for prospective foster parents.

A dedicated province-wide team has also been established to process applications and support recruitment efforts.

The recognition comes as the province continues its fall Foster a Future campaign, which encourages residents to learn more about fostering and the need for additional foster homes.

More than 900 children and youth in Newfoundland and Labrador are currently in care and unable to live with their families, according to the provincial government.

Residents interested in becoming foster parents can visit the Foster a Future website for more information about the application process and available supports.