Updated Oct. 29 to clarify ministers quoted

VANCOUVER - Foster families will enjoy a BC Lions game, thanks to a partnership between the football club and the provincial government.

Fifty foster families will help cheer on the Lions tonight as they host the Edmonton Eskimos. The foster families will even get a chance to go on the field before the game to watch the Lions' pre-game warm-up.

For many of these foster children, this will be their first-ever chance to watch a professional football game. Since 2006, the BC Lions, through their Courage for Kids program, have been giving complimentary tickets to foster families.

October is Foster Family Month in British Columbia, a time to honour the care, compassion and commitment of the 3,300 foster families throughout the province who open their hearts to give children safe, nurturing and supportive homes when they are unable to be with their own families.

Quotes:

Jamie Taras, director of community relations, BC Lions Football Club -

"The BC Lions Football Club is proud to support foster families in B.C. for all their dedication and work providing safe, nurturing environments for children whose families are temporarily unable to look after them. We sincerely hope they enjoy tonight's game."

Quick Facts:

• Foster family homes are the primary placement resource for children in care. B.C. has approximately 8,100 children and youth in its care. Of these, about 5,900 children and youth are placed with approximately 3,300 foster families throughout the province.
• Twenty-six per cent of children in care who are adopted in B.C. are adopted by their foster family.
• There is always a need for more foster families of all cultural, social and ethnic backgrounds so that children in care can maintain their cultural and community connections.
• Anyone, 19 years or older, who wants to share their home with a child in need can apply to become a foster parent.
• Foster parents must be in good physical and mental health. They receive training and undergo background, criminal record and reference checks. On average, the approval process takes three months.
• Once the approval process is successfully completed, new foster parents sign an agreement outlining their responsibilities and complete the 53-hour B.C. Foster Care Education Program within two years.
• There are different types of foster homes:
• Restricted foster parents care for children they know or are related to their family.
• Regular foster parents provide care for up to six children of varying ages and needs.
• Specialized foster parents provide care for children with more challenging behaviour or developmental needs.

Learn More:

• Foster Family Month in B.C information kits: http://www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/foster/ffm.htm
• Interested in fostering? Call the toll-free Foster Line at 1 800 663-9999 or visit: www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/foster
• BC Lions Courage for Kids program: http://www.bclions.com/page/community_programs

Contacts:

Cindy Rose
Media Relations Manager
Ministry of Children and Family Development
250 356-1639
250 818-4508 (cell)

Jamie Cartmell
Director of Communications
BC Lions Football Club
604 930-5469
778 558-0761 (cell)