Starting Your Foster Home

In order to make sure children are being placed in the best possible homes, you are asked to fill out forms, gather references and meet with someone to talk about yourself and your family.

Step 1: Make the call

Contact your local Child and Family Services Authority. An intake worker will be assigned to help you throughout the application process.

Step 2: Fill out an application

Your intake worker will provide you with an application form and help you through the process. Your application must be accompanied by:

Step 3: Take caregiver training

After your application has been processed, you will need to attend 24 hours of caregiver orientation. These classes will give you an idea of what to expect when caring for a foster child. The orientation covers topics like child development, special needs of children in care and supports provided to foster parents.

Step 4: Get a home assessment

After completing orientation, you will need to have a home assessment completed. The home assessment determines if you can provide a safe and suitable home for children and looks at a variety of topics such as family history, parenting skills and home safety.

As part of the home assessment, you will need to fill out two questionnaires. One questionnaire is completed before your home assessment; the other is completed during your home assessment.

Step 5: Obtain a licence

Upon approval, you will be issued a foster home licence and assigned a foster care support worker who will provide ongoing support and help you get the training you need.

Step 6: Care for a foster child

After you receive your licence, your foster care support worker will approach you about a specific child. The decision for the child to be placed with you will be a mutual decision between your support worker, the child's caseworker and you.