initiatives to improve conditions for foster carers and children.

Dr. Terceira was speaking at a luncheon Thursday at the Stonington Beach Hotel organised to honour foster parents.

He told them that currently 96 children were in foster care and that this year his Ministry would be undertaking several new initiatives including: Employing an extra family services staff member dedicated to foster care.

Reviewing foster fee payments; and Reviewing legislation such as the 37-year-old Foster Homes Act.

Yesterday Dr. Terceira said he recognised the importance of expanding services to meet the changing needs of foster parents, children and the natural parents.

"I recognise the monumental task you have taken on,'' he told the audience.

"It is a rare gift and vocation to accept such a tremendous responsibility.'' The Minister said a new position in foster care had been created in family services to provide training and support to foster parents to deal with a child's challenging behaviour.

"The Department's aim is to work closely with foster parents so that problems with foster children can be a part of the new training initiative.

"Several foster care staff have just successfully completed an intensive training programme in the management of aggressive behaviour.

"Our staff are anxious to share their new knowledge and skills with foster parents to help them better understand and manage aggression in foster children,'' said Dr. Terceira.

This year, he added, his department was committed to a review of foster fee payments which had not been reviewed since the early 1990s.

The review will take into account changes in lifestyles of foster parents and children and "actual expenses'' incurred.

A review of legislation affecting children has already started including the Foster Homes Act 1960.

"This Act has long been recognised as needing updating and modernising in light of the changing requirements of foster home placements.

"The Ministry expects to consult with foster parents before completing its review of the Act to elicit feedback and recommendations about changes,'' said Dr. Terceira.

CONFERENCE CON