Fewer P.E.I. foster parents as more children need homes
'We're aging out, we need newer and younger people,' says foster parent federation president
The number of foster parents on P.E.I. continues to decline, while more children are in need of a home, according to the province.
Foster parents say aging populations and tough economic times mean more P.E.I. children are ending up in group homes.
In 2011, 85 foster families cared for 250 children. Currently, 70 families are looking after 300 children, including a significant number of babies.
"We do have a number of young children in our care right now, probably indicative of us wanting to intervene sooner and people understanding the need to report when they think there's child protection concerns," said Maureen MacEwen, provincial co-ordinator for Child Protection Services.
The problem isn't limited to the Island, says Wayne MacFarlane, president of the P.E.I. Federation of Foster Parents.
"We're aging out, we need newer and younger people," said MacFarlane.
Worth the work
Better screening could help retain foster parents, he says.
MacFarlane would also like to see current foster parents more involved in training new recruits to help make the adjustment process smoother.
And he would like to see more money made available for individuals or couples willing to foster children..
Mary Noye currently fosters five children and has taken in 39 children in the past five years.
"When I tuck them in at night and they say, 'Oh, what a nice cozy bed.' It's just something that we take for granted," said Noye.
She would like to see more Islanders give fostering a try.
"I think sometimes people need to think, when they hear the news, something going on in the community that's upsetting, need to think of children that could be involved."