Becoming a Foster Parent
Sometimes children need a safe place to stay
In times of family conflict or parental illness, or in situations of abuse or neglect, children may be placed with a foster care family. Please see our section on foster care to learn more about foster parenting and what’s involved.
If you would like information on becoming a foster parent, call us at 1-855-667-2726 or complete the form.
Who can be a foster parent?
Foster parents may be experienced parents whose children have grown up, young couples raising their own children, older couples, same-sex couples, single people, or individuals with training in childcare. Foster parents act as role models, teachers and nurturers, and serve as a supports to children’s natural families.
You can apply to become a foster parent even if you don’t have a specific background in childcare. Concern for young people, optimism, patience and consistency are essential qualities, along with the willingness to learn and take training courses. You must be committed to providing a safe and stable home for a child, and be prepared for the challenges and the rewards fostering offers.
What are the basic requirements for fostering?
To foster a child, prospective parents must be mentally and physically capable of caring for children. All other family members in the household must also support the fostering. Foster parents need to have enough time for the extra commitment and enough space in the home to provide for and support a child. They must be in reasonably good health, enjoy stable life circumstances, and be willing to participate in a training and home-study evaluation process to determine their qualifications.
Family and Children’s Services of Lanark, Leeds and Grenville also requires prospective foster parents to:
- Live in the counties of Lanark, Leeds and Grenville and surrounding areas
- Complete Canadian Police Information Centre and Vulnerable Sector Screening checks
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Not have a verified child-protection history with any child welfare agency
What is the process to become a foster family?
A person or family interested in caring for a foster child should call Family and Children’s Services of Lanark, Leeds and Grenville at 1-855-667-2726. Our staff will provide further details about becoming a foster care family or parent.
Because foster parenting is not a decision to be made lightly, we provide prospective parents with lots of information up front, and conduct an initial home visit to discuss fostering.
Interested foster parents must also complete a provincially required orientation course as well as undergo training sessions, home evaluations and inspections to determine their suitability to support a child.
The process usually takes a few months, after which foster care families are expected to participate in ongoing training.
If you reside in Lanark, Leeds, or Grenville and would like to apply to become a foster parent, please complete the following form.