The Saskatchewan Foster Families Association is holding a Fostering Information Session today.

The 'Imagine Yourself a Foster Parent' event will take place from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Travelodge in Weyburn.

“We have a great audience on our social media, and through the media outlets, we’re advertising, but we’re just trying something a little different, taking the information out to our communities, reaching out to people and asking them to come and have a coffee with us and we’ll explain what fostering is all about,” said Executive Director Deb Davies.

Davies said the information sessions are happening more often in an attempt to engage more with potential foster families.

“We have just under 500 families,” she said. “We have seen a little bit of a decrease in the last few months, due to a number of families retiring and moving on, so we’re always actively seeking new families. That’s why we’re really putting some emphasis on getting out to our communities.”

She said that some foster children throughout the province are currently living in group homes, but it is ideal for each of them to be in family homes.

“We’re able to provide supports to families that do require out-of-home care,” she explained. “We just want to be prepared that, if children do require foster care, that we’re able to support those families needing that service.”

At the last Fostering Information Session in July, 12 people attended, which was a fairly healthy turnout for the size of our community.

She added a new recruitment campaign has been launched recently in the northwest area of the province.

“We’re always looking and asking people to step forward to ask more questions about what it’s like to be a foster parent, and if they’re able to open their home and their heart,” she said.

Those unable to attend the information session but want to learn more can call 1-888-376-2880 or visit their Facebook page or their website.