The Government of Saskatchewan is partnering with Foxvalley Counseling Services Inc. to provide a new program that will help keep vulnerable children and families together. Once open, up to 12 families in need of assistance in Yorkton and area will be supported in a safe and stable living environment.
"Programs that strengthen families and allow children to safely remain together work exceptionally well to address current and future child protection issues," Social Services Minister Lori Carr said. "We look forward to partnering with Foxvalley Counseling Services to bring this important service to the community of Yorkton and surrounding area."
The new program is based on a family-centered approach that offers intensive residential and community supports to families in crisis. It supports the goal of keeping children who are at-risk of coming into care safely with their families, and reunifying families whose children have been in out-of-home care. Families will live in a home-like environment where they have 24-hour on-site access to supports. They will also be linked to community-based services that aid in a successful transition to independent living for the family.
“Foxvalley is thrilled to provide this new program to help keep families together while supporting parents to reach their full potential,” Foxvalley Counseling Services Inc. Executive Director Mark Fox said. “This program will also allow us to contribute to the labour force in the Yorkton area by offering individuals the ability to secure employment and assist with their future career goals. Foxvalley would like to thank the Ministry of Social Services for the opportunity to provide services to families in the Yorkton area, and to acknowledge Dave Driver for partnering with us by providing the housing unit.”
The Government of Saskatchewan has allocated approximately $670,000 in 2021-22 for the new program in Yorkton. This funding is in addition to $7.3 million for 11 similar programs already operating in communities across Saskatchewan. Including Yorkton, these programs offer more than 130 spaces for at-risk families.
"These programs are an important component of the Government of Saskatchewan's focus on preventative services for vulnerable families," Carr said. "In 2020, thanks to these services, nearly 3,100 children in need of protection were able to remain safely in their family homes rather than coming into care."
Foxvalley Counseling Services Inc. provides culturally sensitive, preventative services in Treaty 4 Territory. Their goal is to transition families to independence and enable parents to reach their full potential with minimal support. They advocate, aid and assist in the health and prosperity of individuals, families and communities.
