Foster Parents

Who can Foster?

Individuals who are at least 21 years of age who:

• Have stable physical/emotional health, finances and family relationships;
• Are willing to work as part of a team (Agency staff, primary family, community professionals) in the best interests of the children;
• Are willing to support children’s religious, cultural, racial and ethnic backgrounds;
• Understand the developmental needs of children; and
• Are open to ongoing training and education.

What is Foster Parenting?

Foster parents provide a temporary home for children who are in the care of the Kawartha-Haliburton Children's Aid Society. Children may need foster care for just a few days, a week, several months or possibly years.

Foster parents work with CAS staff as part of a team to develop a plan for each child in care. While the ideal plan is usually to reunite a child with his or her family, when this is not possible, the plan may include adoption or long-term foster care.

Foster parents provide stability and a caring home that encourages a child's growth and development. They come from all walks of life and have a variety of backgrounds.

They may be:

• Experienced parents whose children have grown;
• Young couples raising small children; or
• Older couples, single persons, same sex couples, parents with training in child care or people with no special training in child care.

Why be a Foster Parent?

• Improve the quality of life for a child
• Obtain professional development
• Enhance your skills so that you can enrich a child's life
• Network with other foster parents for support in the care process
• Work as part of the team integrating the child back into his or her family

Support for Foster Parents

• Financial reimbursement that covers the cost of daily care for the child (not considered income)
• Training and educational opportunities
• Regular professional support from social workers
• Mutual support and networking between foster parents

How to Become a Foster Parent

For more information on these opportunities, please call our Foster Care Department at 705-743-9751 or 1-800-661-2843.