What is foster care?
Foster parents provide a temporary home for children who are in the care of a Children's Aid Society (in Niagara, the Children's Aid Society is called FACS
Niagara). Children may need care for a few days, a week, several months or possibly years.
Foster parents work with agency social work staff as part of a
team to develop a plan for each child. Ideally, we hope to reunite a child with his or her family. When this is not possible, the plan may include long-term
foster care or possibly adoption.
Why do children need foster care?
Children come into our care as a result of concerns about their safety and well-being. This may include issues involving neglect, abuse, parental illness
or abandonment. Some children are voluntarily placed in care while others come into care by court order.
Who are these children?
They are children of all ages from birth to the age of 16. Some remain in care until they are 18. They come from a variety of backgrounds, cultures and
families. Children may or may not have special needs or behaviour issues. They all need a safe and nurturing place to stay while the agency determines the
best permanent plan for their futures.
Who can foster?
Anyone can apply to be a foster parent. Like foster children, foster parents come from all backgrounds and walks of life. Some are experienced parents
whose family has grown, some are young families still raising their own kids. We have single parents and those in partnered relationships. We have couples
and individuals who work outside the home, and some who parent at home full time. If a foster family is caring for a child under school age (0-5 yrs), it
is necessary for one parent to be at home during the day. The agency does not cover the cost of day care. We welcome applicants of various cultures,
religions and lifestyles.
All foster parents must have a genuine interest in helping children, a sense of community responsibility, flexibility and an appreciation of the challenges
presented by foster care.
Are there different kinds of fostering?
Yes. Some families offer short-term care of about a month to a year while others prefer long-term placements. Respite homes care for children on a
short-term basis to give regular foster homes a break.
We have treatment homes for children who have more complex needs, as well as homes that are open to emergency placement (24 hours a day). Some foster
parents operate group homes that provide care for more than four teenagers in a family setting. Group home foster parents are highly experienced and
skilled in dealing with a variety of extremely difficult behaviours and special needs.
Can I specify the age or other considerations of the children I'd prefer to foster?
Yes. Some families love to care for infants while some prefer the independence of teens. Others enjoy school age children. We will help you make this
choice while we work with you in the assessment process.
The age, gender, behaviour level and any challenges a child has, will be discussed with you before you agree to have them placed in your home. Together
we can decide what works for both you and any child we may place in your home.
Does a foster child have to have their own bedroom?
No. It is usually preferred, but a child can share a room as long he or she has his or her own bed, is sharing with a child of the same sex
(unless under the age of two) and that no adults share the room unless the needs or illness of the child require this. There are specific regulations in
regards to room size, and home safety standards.
Once I am approved, will I always have foster children in my home?
No. There is no guarantee that you will always have your available beds full. We search for a suitable placement to meet the specific needs of each child
who needs a caring and supportive environment to stay in. We make every effort for a child to stay with their own family members prior to taking them into
the care of FACS Niagara.
Will my beliefs about particular issues prevent me from fostering?
No. FACS Niagara respects and works with many different foster families. They can represent diversity in age, religion, culture, ethnicity, race and sexual
orientation. They can have different values and ideas. Foster parents need to be respectful and sensitive to diversity in others. We value differences in
people and encourage children and youth to celebrate their own cultures, religions and lifestyles. It is important for foster parents to value and accept
others who may have different beliefs, while still practicing their own culture and religion.
What kind of support do foster parents receive?
Foster parent applicants receive extensive orientation training (9 weeks) to gain some skills in foster parenting. Once they are an approved foster home,
ongoing training and skill development is available.
Foster parents receive financial compensation for a child's living expenses as well as medical and dental coverage, clothing, school and recreation expenses.
Foster parents have the support of FACS Niagara staff, monthly foster parent support groups and other foster parents. They are eligible for respite care
if they need a break or will be out of town.
How do I become a foster parent?
Please call FACS Niagara (locally at 905-937-7731 or toll free at 1-888-937-7731) and ask to speak to a Resources Intake worker for a phone screening
interview. The application process includes police checks, a medical, a home safety review and a series of interviews. There is also an extensive
pre-service training program that must be completed before you are approved and any child is placed with you.
The entire application process takes approximately 6-9 months.
Click here to view The Application Process
Is there any obligation if I call FACS?
No. If you have ever considered fostering, pick up the phone and call to express your interest and to ask any questions. After receiving more information,
you can then decide if you want to proceed to the next step or not. There is no obligation attached to making that call.
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