The Authority developed a new foster care approach in 2000 by looking at what is best for each child. The approach combines agency and Authority administration and the involvement of foster parents through the entire process.

Children enter foster care for a variety of reasons neglect; abuse (sometimes severe emotional, physical or sexual abuse and trauma) or they could have severe organic or behavioural problems. It is these and other troubles that sometimes lead children into foster care.

"Gone are the days of fostering in isolation," says foster parent Jeannette Frost. "This new model is a great improvement. It is inclusive and caring. We have team meetings, respite and monthly visits by support worker, on-going recruitment and awareness of the need of more foster parents critical."

It is that team approach that makes the foster care model in Southeast Alberta a service deserving of replication. "Every foster home in the region is part of the treatment team," said Larry Horeczy, programs manager for Southeast Alberta. "Not only do we provide supports for foster parents, we involve them in the decision making and ask for their input."

Across the province, more than 5,000 children are living in foster care, making up about 40 percent of all child welfare placements. The province operates, or contracts with First Nations or private agencies to operate, about 3,500 foster homes. About 60 per cent of adoption placements come from foster homes, and many of those foster parents leave the system. There is constant need to recruit new foster homes.

As part of the fostering team, McMan Family and Youth Services has been contracted to do public awareness, recruitment and training of foster homes. Through campaigns like the Safeway milk jug advertising and the national 1-800 number, McMan's Medicine Hat director Chris Christie has increased recruitment efforts. "In 2001 we received 98 calls and approved six homes," she said. "Last year it was 137 calls and 13 homes. Since April the number of calls is up again over same period last year."

After the new homes are recruited, a homestudy is conducted. Before a decision is made regarding the appropriateness of the home, the Aproval Committee meets to discuss issues with the prospective foster family. The committee is made up of McMan and Authority staff. The committee can approve the home, give it probationary approval or reject it.

Every foster home is administered by the Authority and receives the same level of support by trained support workers. They conduct monthly home visits, liaise with the case managers and look at issues and challenges in the home. They would also work with McMan in seeking appropriate respite care to take the strain off the family. Peer support is very important and foster parents work together to discuss their challenges.

The new model allows both Foster support workers case managers provide to provide additional supports during the often stressful initial placement period. Wrap-around support is also availble during periods of crisis. Foster parents have access to paid respite and use of the clinician to assist the children and foster families in overcoming obstacles in parenting.

Placement of children is also an important step. Matching children#s needs with the appropriately trained and experienced foster parent is critical. A placement coordinator assures a good match and facilitates the connection between the foster support worker and the case manager.

The Alternate Care Research Team (ACRT) meets twice a month to discuss the whole fostering system: what is working, what is not working and identify families or children who need extra supports. The Team is made up of foster workers, case managers, McMan staff and foster parent representatives.

Teresa Perry, a foster parent from Brooks, is cognizant of the role the team has in supporting foster parents. "The respect the Authority gives us helps us recruit more homes. In Brooks we have 30 children in care and only one foster home actually within Brooks, the rest of us are in surrounding communities and farms."

There is a famous African proverb: Niyimpa kor ntsetse ba translated as "it takes an entire village to raise a child." This statement is particularly true when children are in need of protective services.

2003