Foster families are needed throughout the province but a government effort a few months ago to improve compensation and other components of the system are attracting interest.

This is Foster Families Month, a period set aside to draw attention to the need for such homes.

Kelli Hodder, executive director of the Foster Parents Association in Newfoundland and Labrador, says it’s also a time to acknowledge the work done by families who open their homes to young people.

“Government is telling me that they have seen an increase in the number of people calling and making inquiries, asking questions about becoming a foster parent, and they’ve also seen more applications coming in,” says Hodder.

She says every corner of the province – whether urban or rural – is in need of foster parents.

Government has also embarked on an effort to reduce wait times in the adoption system.