While we wish all children could grow up safely in their families, that is not always possible and some children have to be legally cared for by Family and Children’s Services. When children need to be cared for outside of their own homes, we want to keep the emphasis on ‘family’ by finding foster families or kin who can provide a stable, loving and supportive home for the child.
“Each one of us…deserves to be adored…to know and to feel love…every day! No child should ever feel alone, scared or unsafe.” – Annette, Foster Parent Foster care is intended to be temporary and the ideal plan is to reunite a foster child with his or her family. In a team approach involving the child’s family, the child (depending on their age), the social workers involved, and the foster family, a plan is made to obtain this goal. Foster parents are there to support that child until they are able to return to their birth families or until another permanent plan is developed for the child. Placements can last from weeks, to months, to years.
“I’ve always wanted children in my life. It’s a gift, it’s a privilege, and it’s a real eye-opener to appreciate the life you had as a child and realize not everbody is so lucky.” - Andrea, Foster Parent 
- to provide a nurturing, healthy and safe environment for foster children to grow and develop
- to provide physical care for the child including food, clothing, and shelter
- to accompany the child to medical and dental appointments
- to assist the child with his or her education by ensuring school attendance, homework completion, and motivating a child to do well in school
- to provide emotional care for the child and ensure he or she feels they are a valued and supported member of the foster family
- to contribute to the child’s positive identify and promote a strong sense of purpose and self-esteem
- to be a positive role model for the child
- to support the child’s religious beliefs and cultural values
- to encourage the development of individual talents
- to understand that the child’s primary family is an important part of their life, even though he or she may not be residing with them
I like my foster parents because they work hard and they send me to school because they want me to learn. My foster mom is special because she cooks for me. She gets me ready for the bus and she hugs me. – Foster Child, age 8.
- Patience,
- Optimism
- An understanding of children’s needs
- Stability in the foster parent’s individual and family life
- An ability to work with professionals and service providers
- A love of children.
My foster parents are special because they are nice and they love me! – Foster Child, age 6
Foster Parents Can Be:
- married
- single
- common-law (including same sex couples)
- gay or lesbian
- working parents
- stay at home parents
- retirees
- families with children
- families without children
- families of diverse ethnic backgrounds
There is a high need for more foster and adoptive families for children of all ages as well as homes that can accommodate siblings. To match the diverse needs of our children, we are always looking for foster families from a wide range of backgrounds.
When a child needs to come into the care of Family and Children’s Services, it is first determined whether a suitable Kin placement can be located. Kin is defined as a relative or community member who has a significant relationship with the child. These homes are called Kin Service or Kin Care homes.
My grandma and grandpa are special because they love me. I love them! – Foster Child
Many of the children who enter the care of Family and Children’s Services have experienced some form of neglect or abuse. As a result of their experiences, children placed in foster care may have difficulty adjusting and, in time, a foster child may develop trust in his/her foster family.
“The important thing was that there was consistency in his life, and someone to listen to him when it was all too much.” – Eva, Foster Parent
Sometimes children may have special learning needs and emotional or behavioural challenges that require additional supports. Foster parents need to be prepared to deal with these challenges and work with supports in the community.
My foster mom is special because she tries to do the best things for me and when I’m strugging she doesn’t give up. She also takes me to cool places that I’ve never seen before.
Foster Child, age 12
“You have to be very patient and learn how to build that trust.” – Mary, foster Parent
When a child is first placed with you, it takes some time to get to know the social workers who are there to support your family and the child.
You will have a Resource Worker to support and guide you in your role as a foster parent. They will meet with you on a regular basis and you can call them at any time with questions or when you require assistance.
Another challenge for foster families is saying goodbye to a child they have nurtured in their home. Saying goodbye can be difficult, but foster care is meant to be temporary to allow the child’s parents an opportunity to achieve the goals required to have their child returned back to their care. If the child’s parents do not make the necessary changes to have their child returned home, within a pre-determined time period, then a permanent plan such as adoption may be explored for the child.
“You give your heart completely. But you just keep in mind you’ve done what you need to do for the child, and you keep on going. …yes, it can be hard, but the rewards are far beyond what we’ll ever know!”- Annette, Foster Parent
Despite the challenges, the rewards are plentiful. As a foster family, you have the opportunity to be part of something special in our community. You will enhance your knowledge of children and watch a child heal, learn, and grow. You will work with a multi-disciplinary team of professionals and make new connections with other foster parents. |
