Applying to Be a Foster Family
To meet the needs of the diverse group of children that require the care of Children's Aid Societies, it's important that we recruit foster families who can match those needs.
That's why we encourage applications from individuals and families from different walks of life, a variety of cultural, racial, ethnic and religious backgrounds, and with a wide range of child care skills.
If you are interested in becoming a foster parent please contact the Children's Aid Society for more information. A worker will discuss with you the steps necessary to apply.
The following is a brief outline of the steps involved in the application process:
Step 1
Information regarding all members of your household and your interest/motivation to foster will be discussed. The need for several references, medicals, police check, and agency internal file check will be reviewed.
Step 2
Once your application is returned and recommended for next steps, a resource worker is assigned who will call to arrange a time to meet with you and your family in your home. At this time an information interview and house check takes place, and together you will decide if you wish to proceed further with the application process. During this time police checks, medicals, child welfare checks, and a financial form as well as references are being completed.
Step 3
PRIDE training sessions are provided several times a year. When a series of dates are confirmed an invitation will be sent to your home once your application has been received and approved. Attendance at PRIDE training is mandatory for all applicants (adults only). While you attend PRIDE your SAFE home assessment occurs.
Alternately, the Children's Aid Societies within the Eastern Ontario region have jointly created a website from which you can apply to become a foster parent.
Application Criteria
If you decide to apply, you'll take part in a home study consisting of several visits to your home. You'll also be asked to provide several character references as well as undergo current medical and police checks on all adults in your home.
The Society includes the following as minimum criteria for consideration of an inquirer's interest:
- over the age of 18 years,
- reside in Frontenac county,
- are not staff of the Society,
- if involved in a relationship have been in a stable relationship for at least two years
- if applicants have experienced relationship or marital separations they must have been reunited for at least two years
- other family members are in support of the application
- financial stability can be demonstrated
- prepared to be a resource exclusively for Frontenac CAS
- experience with children/parenting which has been positive
- when the inquirer is employed outside the home the intention is to provide adult supervision that is acceptable to the Society for the child placed in their care
- family constellation does not include a child under one year of age and a female applicant is not pregnant
- current involvement with the Society or other service provider is of a voluntary nature and not related to any concerns related to care or protection of children
- willingness to comply with Society policy that no corporal punishment be used with children in care
- physical accommodation which is likely to meet regulations.
Experience
Experience caring for children is a definite advantage for a foster family, but you can apply to foster even if you have no specific background in childcare. Love of young people, optimism, patience, and consistency are essential qualities of successful foster families. A basic understanding of children's needs, as well as a willingness to learn, is also required.
If you're an experienced parent, or have specialized training and skills in child management you may wish to inquire about fostering opportunities consistent with your experience and career goals.
No matter what your experience or skills, by becoming a foster parent you'll have the opportunity to make a difference in the life of a child, and help the children and families in your community.