View of foster care incorrect, unfair

Recently the foster-care system has been painted as one that takes children from their birth parents to drop them off at cold, unloving homes and has even been dubbed “the residential school system for the 21st century.” This is not how foster care works in Saskatchewan. In fact, those types of statements are disrespectful to children requiring out-of-home care and to their families. The safety and wellbeing of all Saskatchewan children is our priority and our responsibility.

The Saskatchewan Foster Families Association (SFFA) takes the responsibility of the care of children very seriously. The first priority is always to keep children in their homes with members of their extended family. Only after every option is explored with the child’s family are they placed in a foster home. Children cannot be left in situations where there is risk of maltreatment.

We are very proud to have worked with Social Services and a number of First Nation elders to create a three-hour mandatory culture training for new families, and a sixhour mandatory training for foster families. That means the children’s culture and religion are being respected.

YWCA Canada states “there can be no reconciliation without truth.” The truth is that foster families open their homes and their hearts every day to care for children and to support families. The truth is that outcomes for children will be better when Indigenous and nonIndigenous governments, community agencies and all Canadians work together to better support families and strengthen our society.

Deb Davies, executive director SFFA should act like any other vehicle on the road and be on the road — NOT on the sidewalk!

Why was it not pointed out that most urban communities forbid riding bikes on sidewalks — especially in high-pedestrian areas like downtown? That’s because it is generally considered unsafe for bikes and pedestrians to mingle in such tight quarters.

Before I retired a few years ago, I worked downtown.

Bikes on sidewalks were common. If I didn’t move fast enough I sometimes got sworn at or was given the finger.

Come on Leader-post. Do a service followup article. Remind people that if the cyclist had been on the road where he belonged, Ashley would still have her service dog. Maybe Regina’s bicycle police could make stopping cyclists from riding on sidewalks a summer project. Maybe the city could post some signs. Lynne Stonechild, Regina