Province launches campaign to address shortage of foster parents in P.E.I.

Prince Edward Island wants more foster parents to address a provincewide shortage that's meant some kids have to stay in group homes.

A new government campaign called Every Open Door Fosters Futures aims to help recruit more families by raising awareness about the issue.

Barb Ramsay, P.E.I.'s minister of social development and seniors, said more kids are entering the system as foster parents are aging out.

"I hope that people understand the importance of fostering children here on Prince Edward Island, and that they understand not just what they're going to give to the children, but what they're going to receive from the children," she said.

"We're kind of in dire straits here. We have 86 foster families in place, but only 51 right now who are receiving children."

There are currently 110 children in the care of the province's director of child protection, Mike Henthorn. In recent times, he said, it might be hard for working families to take on more responsibilities.

"In the past there's been maybe one parent that would be home full time," he said.

"Now we see families that have both parents working full time, and also being stretched to the limit. So oftentimes that could be hard for families to take on something else."

Henthorn said his department is looking into more supports for Island foster families.

"We know that is an important, critical part of it," he said.

"We have a team of people that are examining that, looking at jurisdictions, making sure that we're giving as much as we can to foster parents doing a critically important job."

One of those foster parents is Mary Noye, who is also the president of the P.E.I. Federation of Foster Families. She's fostered over 100 children.

She said this campaign is an important part of helping the Island's foster children throughout their lives.

"To make a difference in children's lives and help them see a better life, we... help them to get through with the trauma that they've been through," Noye said.