Killarney Sheffield was 14 when she was placed into foster care to escape an abusive stepfather.

“I was left in foster care until I was 18,” said Sheffield. “I was lucky. Though I lost my family, I gained a caring foster family.”

“My love of horses and reading were nurtured by them,” said Sheffield of her foster parents. “I am now a certified farrier, natural horsemanship trainer, level 1 English and Western coach, and a breeder of Appendix horses.”

Now a happily married mother of five, Sheffield’s love of reading eventually led her to become the published author of 15 books, ranging from full-length historical romantic adventures to short stories.

Foster family homes are the primary placement resource for children in care in B.C. There is a variety of reasons why children and youth might enter the foster care system - sometimes their parents are experiencing difficulties, sometimes it can be because of abuse or neglect, or sometimes it can be because of illness or death. Foster families can play an integral role in creating the strong, supportive foundation a child needs to develop into a confident, contributing adult. A foster’s parent’s influence can last a lifetime.

“My foster parents have now passed away,” said Sheffield, who credits her foster family with helping her to heal and become the happy wife, mother, horse trainer and romance author she is today. “I wish I had been able to show them how I turned out and tell them they helped produce a woman who is strong, confident and successful. I will always be grateful to them for caring and nurturing me. Without their love, I would not be where I am today. Foster families do make a difference.”

As long-time foster parents reach retirement age, there is a need for more individuals and families to open their hearts and homes to children and teens in care. If you are 19 or older, and able to meet the day-to-day duties and responsibilities of a caregiver, we ask that you consider applying to become a foster parent. For more information call the Foster Line toll-free at 1-800-663-9999, or visit: www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/foster

Learn More:

To find out more about Killarney Sheffield’s life and works, visit her website at www.killarneysheffieldromanceauthor.com/ or her blogs at http://killarneysheffield.blogspot.ca and http://meldermanstables.blogspot.ca

Media Contacts:

Sheldon Johnson
Media Relations Manager
Ministry of Children and Family Development
250 356-1639