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Yellowknifer up for 'Stand Up for Kids' national award

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Tammy Roberts, executive director at the Foster Family Coalition of the NWT, says foster care parents and adoption caregivers are "exhausted and unsupported," by a child services system that's failing children in the NWT. If any progress has been made, herself and other front-line caregivers aren't seeing it on a day-to-day basis. photo courtesy of Tammy Roberts

Yellowknife’s own Tammy Roberts, executive director of Foster Family Coalition of the Northwest Territories (Yellowknife),  has been shortlisted for a prestigious award acknowledging individuals who have worked to improve the lives of vulnerable children.

Roberts is one of six people vying for the Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada’s The Lynn Factor Stand Up for Kids National Award, which recognizes “remarkable Canadians who have made a positive difference in the lives of abused and neglected children and youth,” states a news release announcing the nominees.

Roberts has served at-risk children for nearly three decades, offering both emergency and long-term care to over 250 foster children.

“I was quite shocked when I found out,” Roberts said of learning she’d been shortlisted.

“Just the fact I was shortlisted is amazing,” she told Yellowknifer, adding it’s great to see Northern representation on the national stage.

As executive director at Foster Family Coalition of the Northwest Territories (Yellowknife), Roberts provides support to foster families across the NWT – offering one-on-one support, providing information and ensuring access to programs for both parents and children.

She is leading a pilot project focused on the needs of youth living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) who have transitioned out of foster care.

“It’s just an honour to be able to make a difference on an intimate level with kids and families,” said Roberts.

The winner will be announced on Sept. 11 at the Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada’s Stand Up for Kids Night in Toronto.