Native foster parents urgently needed

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Native foster children are constantly in need of foster parents.

Now there is a desperate need for a home that could take in a family of three children ? twins James and Robert, 11, and their sister Linda, 12.

All three identify strongly with their Native culture and have kept involved in Native circles, such as the Native Pastoral Centre and the Canadian Native Friendship Centre. It is hoped that they would be able to continue these associations.

Because the children are closely related, it is highly desirable that they be kept together.

The children suffer from a background of neglect and have not been able to acquire the same skills as many others their age. For this reason, foster parents must be willing to help the children in their period of adjustment. This would require good supervision with set rules while also giving the children a lot of love and care.

And the children wish to continue the close bond they have with other family members ? they will need the flexibility to visit their relatives from time to time.

James is a shy boy, but has shown progress in his ability to make friends more easily than he was able to in the past. He attends a junior opportunity class and needs guidance and encouragement with his school work. Although it takes him longer than most to participate with his peers, he does have a good sense of humor.

Robert is friendly, bright and cheery. He will often go out of his way to help others. He, too, attends an opportunity class and is behind in his academic work. His concentration abilities affect his ability to learn.

Linda is actively engaged in swimming and the Explorers. She attends opportunity class as well and is a very sociable child but, like others her age, has her "moody" moments.

Praise and affection are needed by these children. The foster parents selected would need to spend a great deal of time and energy with them.

For further information, you are requested to contact Marily McGale at 427-KIDS in Edmonton.