FAQs
This is an archive of all the FAQs available on our website. Use the filter to choose a category you’d like to learn more about.
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Fostering
How long would I care for a child or youth?
The length of a foster placement is determined by the individual needs of the child or youth and their current family situation. There is no definitive timeframe and can range from a few days to months, or even years.
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Fostering
As a foster parent, would I receive support?
Yes, The CASO provides many different areas of support throughout the foster placement, including:
- A foster care worker to contact for support
- 24-hour on-call child and youth counsellor support line
- Peer mentoring support
- Built-in relief time i.e. time off for illness or unforeseen emergencies
- Initial and on-going training
- Financial reimbursement to subsidize costs of clothing, care, medical/dental needs, recreation, etc.
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Fostering
How long does the application process take?
The assessment process usually takes four to six months.
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Fostering
What is involved in the application process?
There are numerous steps involved in the process of becoming a foster parent, including:
- Attending an information session
- Completing an application package
- A Home Study assessment
- P.R.I.D.E. Training
A more detailed description of this process can be found on the Fostering page.
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Fostering
What are the criteria for becoming a foster parent?
The most important criterion for becoming a foster parent is your commitment to providing a safe and stable home for a child or youth. This criterion also involves your enjoyment for caring for children, as well as your willingness to overcome the challenges to arrive at the rewards of fostering. Other important requirements include:
- Reside in the Ottawa area
- Over the age of 18
- Good overall health
- Financially stable
More criteria can be found on the Fostering page.
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Volunteer
Who can become a volunteer?
Our volunteers are people from our community who choose to donate their time, energy, and skills to The CASO to help children and youth. Anyone over the age of 18 who shares a caring concern for children and youth may apply.
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Volunteer
What are the different roles of volunteers at The Children’s Aid Society of Ottawa?
At the Children’s Aid Society, our volunteers do many things to aid children, youth, and their families. Some volunteer roles include:
- Driving and providing transportation services to children to/from school, family visits, therapy, and medical appointments
- Tutoring and providing academic assistance to children and youth
- Mentoring and providing support services to children and youth in care
- Providing clerical and administrative help
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Volunteer
How do I become a volunteer?
To become a volunteer, please visit the Volunteer Opportunities page and register by creating an account on myvolunteerpage.com. After that, you will be contacted to arrange an interview. After the interview stage, all volunteers must complete a criminal record check and must sign an Oath of Confidentiality.
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Volunteer
What kinds of skills and time commitment does volunteering require?
No specialized skills are required; however, after completing your application, we make every effort possible to match your interests, availability, and skills with the best possible volunteering opportunity. Volunteering can be done on a regular or an occasional basis and can be specified during the application process.
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Adoption
How long will I have to wait until I’m placed with a child?
There is no standard timeframe for a placement. The time can vary depending on the child(ren) being referred for adoption and your own family’s strengths and experiences. However, the more open a family is to the age and details of a child, the less time a placement might take.