Today, the Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, joined Newfoundland and Labrador Foster Families Association Chair Angela Blundon and new Executive Director Kelly Dawe as well as foster parents to proclaim October as National Foster Families Month.
Throughout Newfoundland and Labrador, there are approximately 570 foster families dedicated to helping children and youth through complex situations by providing safe and nurturing homes.
By taking on such a responsibility, foster families play a vital role in the lives of children and youth in care whether they provide respite on the weekends, care on a daily basis, or a forever home. While foster parents should be celebrated every day, this month is especially important to celebrate them, encourage them and appreciate them.
It is also a time to recognize the positive work of the Newfoundland and Labrador Foster Families Association who support foster parents throughout the province collaboratively with the department.
On September 30, 2021, the Association’s long time serving Executive Director, Diane Molloy retired. Ms. Molloy was instrumental in advocating for foster parents and travelling the province to raise awareness about fostering. She has been a true leader in every sense and the department has been pleased to partner with her and the Association over the years. Most recently, this partnership helped to develop and introduce PRIDE (Parents’ Resource for Information, Development and Education) Online training modules such that applicants can complete most of the training at their own pace from the convenience of their homes.
The Association’s new Executive Director, Kelly Dawe, began last month and brings a wealth of knowledge about the needs of foster parents and the foster care program. The department looks forward to continued collaboration.
For more information or taking the next step to becoming a foster parent, call the department toll-free 1-855-863-6111 or visit www.fosterafuture.ca; or call the Newfoundland and Labrador Foster Families Association toll-free at 1-877-754-0218.
Quotes
“I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to all foster families throughout the province for their caring, strength and dedication to the children and youth who need it most. While foster parents may think they are just doing a small part, they are truly going above and beyond to help a child to thrive and succeed. Let me also sincerely thank Diane Molloy for serving as the Executive Director of the Newfoundland and Labrador Foster Families Association for the last 19 years and welcome the newly appointed Kelly Dawe to this important role. ”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development
“Foster families provide safe, nurturing homes for children and youth and are an integral part of our province’s child protection system. During Foster Families Month, we recognize and celebrate the contribution of foster families throughout Newfoundland and Labrador, and we thank them for their commitment to the children, youth and families of our province.”
Kelly Dawe
Executive Director, Newfoundland and Labrador Foster Families Association
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Media contacts
Michelle Hunt-Grouchy
Children, Seniors and Social Development
709-729-5148, 682-6593
michellehuntgrouchy@gov.nl.ca
Kelly Dawe
Newfoundland and Labrador Foster Families Association
709-754-0213
kelli@fosterfamiliesnl.ca