Foster Care

What is Foster Care?

Foster parents provide a temporary home for children who are separated from their own family.  While the legal responsibility for the child remains with the agency, foster families provide a stable and nurturing home to allow the child to grow and develop according to his/her unique abilities. 

Who are Foster Parents?

Foster parents come from all walks of life and have a variety of backgrounds.  They may be experienced parents whose children have grown, young couples raising their own children, older couples, single persons, same-sex couples and those with training in child care.  What foster parents have in common is a love and respect for children.  Foster parents are patient and nurturing, have the ability to be flexible while providing consistency, are team players, want to learn new skills and are not afraid of a challenge.  Most of all, foster parents want to make a difference in the life of a child. 

Who are Foster Children?

There is no typical foster care and each child in the care of our agency is unique.  Some are voluntarily placed in our care while others are in care by a court order.  Foster children range in age from infancy to 18 years, they may be in a sibling group and all come from diverse cultural, religious and family backgrounds.  Each foster child is going through a difficult period and needs not only warmth and acceptance but consistency, structure and guidelines.  

What Kind of Support Will I Receive?

As a foster parent you will have access to a wide range of services that include:

  • initial orientation and ongoing training
  • daily non-taxable reimbursement for living expenses
  • reimbursement for medical, clothing, school and extra-curricular related expenses
  • incremental payments which compensate foster parents for training and experience
  • supplementary payments which are provided when children require more intensive help or supervision
  • regular visits and support from a family service worker and foster home worker
  • access to a full range of therapeutic and relief services provided by the agency
  • regular case conferences with other members of the team
  • access to 24 hour emergency services and support
  • team meetings with other foster parents
  • support from the local Foster Parents Association
      

How Can I Become a Foster Parent?

If you are interested in becoming a foster parent or would like more information, Please contact one of our offices for more information.