Bishop A.F.Tonnos,
Diocese of Hamilton

Message from Bishop Tonnos

Every child deserves to live in a safe and nurturing home. As you know, providing a loving environment to a child is truly acting in a Christ-like manner. I encourage you to consider opening your heart and home to children and youth in need, by becoming a foster parent.

Foster Care

Become a foster parent and brighten a child’s life.

What is foster care?

• An alternate and temporary home
  
• A caring and supportive family environment
  
• The Society assumes guardianship while child is in care
  
• The goal is to return child to natural family, whenever possible
  
• When child is unable to return to family, adoption/permanent plans are made
  

Foster Parents brighten lives

No matter what your experience or skills, by becoming a foster parent you will have the opportunity to make a difference in the life of a child.

Qualities

The most important qualities considered in the selection of foster parents are:

• The desire to love and parent a child
  
• The ability to nurture
  
• An understanding of children
  
• Patience and consistency
  
• Flexibility and a willingness to learn
  

Foster Parents:

• Can work full-time and foster
  
• Can be single
  
• Can do part-time or full-time fostering
  
• Do not have to have their own children
  

• Must have at least one parent in the home who is Catholic and be able to obtain a positive reference from a Catholic priest

• AND>>>Foster Parents DO HAVE FUN!

Next Steps

• Call 905-525-CARE (2273)
  
• Attend a Foster Care Open House
  
• Complete an application form
  
• Prepatory Course for all applicants
  
• Participate in the Homestudy Process
  

Take that first step and find out if fostering is right for you!