Foster Care FAQs
Q: What is a foster parent?
A: A foster parent is someone who provides temporary care to a child who is unable to live with his or her natural family. Where possible, it is always our intention to return children to their natural family. Most children admitted into care will return home. While in care, a child becomes a part of your family for however long he or she needs to be in care. Foster parents assume responsibility for the day-to-day care of the child.
Q:Is there a need for foster parents in this community?
A: Yes. There is an ongoing need for new foster homes in the Hamilton area.
Q: Can single people foster?
A: Yes, we currently have quite a number of single foster parents. Couples who have been living in a stable common law relationship for at least one year can also foster.
Q: Do I have to be a stay-at-home Mom (or Dad)?
A: Not necessarily. However, the foster parent or parents must have time to commit to a child. If regular full-time fostering doesn't seem suitable, couples and individuals can always consider relief, or part-time fostering.
Q: What are the ages of children who are in care?
A: Homes are needed for children aged newborn to 16. In consultation with a Resource Worker, foster parents choose the age range of the child(ren) they would like to care for. Foster parents may also choose the gender of the child they care for.
Q: Why are children admitted into care?
A: Children are admitted into care for dozens of different reasons, including physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, lack of supervision, lack of housing, parental illness, behaviour problems, emotional rejection, severe parent-child conflict.
Q: How long would a child be staying with me?
A: Children can be in care for days, weeks, months, years and in some cases, a child may spend his or her entire childhood in care. For the most part, children tend to stay in care for a matter of months.
Q: Does a foster child need to have his or her own bedroom?
No, a child may share a bedroom with another child (no child over 6 years of age may share a bedroom with a child of the opposite sex). The bedroom must have a door and a window, a dresser for each child and appropriate bedding.
Q: What supports are available for foster parents?
A: A number of supports are available: A Resource Worker, assigned to the foster family to help meet their needs, a Society Worker for every child who is in care, foster parent support groups that meet regularly, an After Hours Worker to assist during emergencies, training, and the Foster Parent Association. Foster parents receive a daily board rate for each child in their care. It is approximately $30 a day, tax free. There is a clothing allowance and all medical and dental expenses are covered.
Q: How long is the application process and what's involved?
The application process takes about three to six months. It involves two main parts:
- Participation in PRIDE, followed by
- A Homestudy.
Pre-Service Orientation is a mini-prepatory and mandatory training course. It consists of nine sessions, covering such topics as policies and procedures relevant to fostering; the impact of fostering; issues of separation and attachment; child management within the foster home; types of maltreatment, etc.
The Homestudy is conducted upon completion of Pre-Service Orientation. An assigned homestudy worker will conduct a number of in-depth interviews of all family members. This worker will also ensure the home meets the licensing requirements.