The Saskatchewan Foster Families Association is applauding the Saskatchewan Government's announcement that they will simplify the payment structure for foster families. Currently, foster families receive basic maintenance payments which vary and skill development fee after completing required training and one year of service. The new payment structure will replace those two fees. Foster families will receive basic maintenance payment as before, plus $500.00 per month, per child once they complete the required training.

Deb Davies Executive Director of the Foster Families Association of Saskatchewan, "Well, this is very exciting news for foster families across the province of Saskatchewan, because this will simplify payments for the services and support that they provide to children and families. It's a more consistent payment system so we are very pleased with the announcement and very grateful to the government for making this commitment to our families."

"Well, we are hoping so, we have had good response across the province." Davies adds in regards to if this will help increase the number of foster families across the province, "We have reached out to communities and have been asking people to consider being a foster parent, but of course, we are always looking to increase our numbers to respond to the needs of our community."

"We're seeing a consistent gain in the number of calls in people that are interested in becoming foster parents, but again that is families that are interested in taking one child at a time, so there is always a need." Davies goes on to share about sibling groups, "If families are interested in taking on a large sibling group, or a sibling group of 3 or 4 children, that they will reach out and we will give them all the information and support that we provide."

"We are happy to say we will be moving ahead with phase 2 of this announcement, and we are looking forward to working with the government to help best support families across the province."