Foster Parents are part of a team that helps families grow, learn and achieve their full potential. They provide a safe, nurturing environment for children to grow and develop during a difficult time in their lives. They ensure every child feels loved and valued, while learning important life skills such as communication and taking turns. In many cases, the children’s parents are simultaneously working to resolve their challenges and hope to be reunited with their children.
Every kid needs to know that they are special and they belong somewhere. It’s amazing to see children find their confidence.Jody, Foster Care Manager
What is it like to be a Foster Parent with Closer to Home? Hear from current and past Foster Parents as they talk about their experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
The most important criteria for becoming a Foster Parent are:
- Caring about the well-being of children, youth and families
- Being able to meet the physical, social and emotional needs of children and youth
- Being open to learning and working with a team
Approval of foster parents is not based on:
- Marital status
- Parenting experience
- Family composition
- Home ownership
- Ethnicity
- Religious affiliation
- Sexual orientation
- Education level
All applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Meet all criteria to be a licensed foster parent as per the Family Enhancement Act
- Be physically, emotionally and financially stable
- All family members must be interested in fostering
Contact 403-2-FOSTER or email fostercare@closertohome.com. Closer to Home will provide you with all necessary assessments and training to become a licensed Foster Parent.
- Criminal Record Checks and Child Intervention Record Checks completed by all family members and/or people residing in the home over the age of 18 living in or frequently visiting the home; these checks must have been completed no less than six months prior to applying
- Completion of the Safe Home Assessment
- Three personal references (for each applicant)
- Medical reports completed by a physician for each applicant
- Monthly budget analysis
- Family map
- Environmental safety assessment
- Psychological Statement of wellbeing
- Valid home and car insurance
- Onboard training
Foster Parents must also:
- Successfully complete Closer to Home Community Services Pre-Service Training
- Hold a current First Aid Certificate
- Complete the interview and assessment process
Foster children range in age from newborn to 17 years and come from a variety of cultural, religious and socio-economic backgrounds. These children have been temporarily removed from their families due to significant risk factors and need a safe, nurturing and structured place to call home while their families work toward reunification. Many children in care have experienced trauma and often demonstrate behaviours indicative of abuse and neglect.
- Free, in-depth training
- Tax-free per diem (a per diem is the financial compensation a foster parent receives daily to provide for a child’s basic care)
- Compensation for two days per month of relief care
- 24-hour on call support
- A Foster Care Coordinator who meets with foster parents in their home bi-weekly, maintains regular phone contact and provides ongoing training, coaching, advocacy and crisis support
- Intensive training and consultation in behaviour management techniques
- Monthly support meetings
- A great team of dedicated Foster Parents and support staff
- Ensure the safety of the children and youth in their care
- Provide a sense of belonging, security and family for children and youth
- Create and facilitate opportunities for children to be immersed in their culture of origin, by attending training, ceremonies, teachings, and events that provide a rich opportunity for connection.
- Facilitate reunification by working cooperatively with the child or youth’s family
- When family reunification is not an option, assist in the adoption process by working cooperatively with professionals and potential adoptive families
- Be a positive role model to the child or youth and family
- Day-to-day care including school, medical appointments, recreational and social activities
- Attend to the child or youth’s counseling needs by facilitating transportation and attending with the child when necessary
- Present in a professional manner and advocate for the child or youth
- Maintain documentation including daily reports, monthly reports, medical reports and incident reports
- Report all incidents immediately
- Meet regularly and remain in close contact with the coordinator, case worker and the child or youth’s teachers
Be the Difference. Become a Foster Parent.
Remember, Foster Parents are not in it alone. Closer to Home Community Services provides a highly supportive environment for foster parents who want to make a difference in the lives of children, youth and families.
For more information please email fostercare@closertohome.com, or submit a message with the contact form below.