Foster the children
October is Foster Family Month in BC and foster parents across the province are being thanked for their selfless dedication.
The provincial government hopes to recruit new foster parents.
While anyone 19 years or older can apply to become a foster parent, not everyone is suited to the task.
“People who have experience with children are the best applicants especially for children with behavioural or special needs,” said Angela Skilbeck who works for the ministry of children and families in Powell River.
Anyone with a teaching or nursing background, or those who already care for children with special needs, often bring the necessary skills for fostering, she said.
Right now the ministry has need for local homes for children of all ages.
“The need is quite high here,” Skilbeck said, “simply because we don’t have enough beds to service the children we need to place.”
There are 17 foster homes in town but most are full and at least five are restricted foster homes, she said. Restricted homes are operated by relatives or people who have had a significant relationship with a particular child and are not open for all placements.
Without options for suitable care, the ministry is often forced to move a child out of his or her community, she added.
Although it takes time, effort and patience, most of all it takes a real desire to make a difference in the lives of children and youth. Anyone with space in their heart and home for a child in need, can go online or call the Foster Line toll-free at 1.800.663.9999.
Share views on health care
A health care system that meets the needs of all British Columbians is the goal of the province’s all-party select standing committee on health.
The standing committee has been asked to develop strategies to maintain and sustain health care for all residents and after meeting with stakeholders, health care researchers and ministry representatives, the committee is asking the public to weigh in.
“We are asking British Columbians to share their ideas on how we can continue to ensure the sustainability and improvement of our health care system,” said Linda Larson, chair of the standing committee.
Questions to prompt response include improvements to rural health care services, how to recruit health care professionals to rural areas, the use of interdisciplinary teams, end-of-life care, and addiction recovery programs.
All questions and the opportunity to submit feedback are available on the standing committee’s website. Deadline for responses is December 31, 2014.
