Fostering

Our goal is to keep families together in their own homes, however in situations where that is not possible, we turn first to a relative, extended family member, or a member of the child’s community.

Foster care is a temporary support to children and youth who for one reason or another, cannot remain in their own family home.

Foster parents provide a vital service to our communities, creating a safe environment for children and youth to grow and learn. Those who care for foster children provide more than a home - they create hope during a critical stage of development.

COVID-19 Update:

• We welcome applications for people who want to become foster parents and are prepared to accept placement of children/youth in their home during the pandemic.
• Applicants and all individuals 18 years and old, residing in the home, must be fully vaccinated.
• All Group Information Sessions are currently held virtually.

Current Opportunities

Who can foster:

• Individuals who are single, married, living in a common law or same sex relationship   
• Working, retired or at home
• Individuals who will support and foster a child or youth’s identity and culture (i.e. children who identify with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, FNIM communities, Black and other racialized communities).

Our priority right now:

• Homes that have the ability to accept a child who has been exposed to COVID-19; or
• Homes that have the ability to accept a child who has tested positive for COVID-19.

Homes we are looking for:

• All age groups
• Homes for siblings
• Homes for adolescents

Specific Cultures/Identities and Communities we are looking for:

• Indigenous
• Black and racialized
• 2SLGBTQIA+
• French language

Group Information Sessions

Note: Our Group Information Sessions will take place online until further notice

We invite you to join one of the group information sessions to learn more about fostering if you meet all of the following requirements:

• You reside in the Ottawa region;
• You are financially self-sufficient;
• You have a stable family and personal relationships;
• Couples demonstrate stability in their relationship and have been cohabitating for at least two (2) years;
• You have the space in your home and your life to welcome a child/youth;
• If interested in fostering pre-school age (0-4), there is a stay at home parent; and,
• You are able to obtain a medical reference from a family physician or nurse practitioner who can provide information about your medical history.

To register for an information session, please forward the following information to [email protected]

• First and last name (if a couple, both names are required)
• Telephone #
• Email address
• Please confirm that you reside in the Ottawa region
• Date of English session OR request of French session

Please Note:

1. If a couple, both individuals must attend a session together.
2. By registering, you are providing consent to enter the aforementioned information into our database.
3. Spots are limited and are reserved on a first come, first serve basis.

If you experience any difficulties registering online, please contact us at 613-747-7800 (and follow the prompts).

Steps to Becoming a Foster Parent

1. Your first step in the fostering process is attending a group information session. These sessions are designed to inform you on the process of becoming a foster parent.
2. After the group information session, individual sessions will be scheduled for those interested in knowing more about fostering.
3. After the individual information session and if you meet all the requirements, and no barriers have been identified, you will be provided with an application package.
4. You will complete the application package and return to the Society. This package will indicate your desire to foster children and youth and provide us with the details of your fostering preferences.
5. All foster homes must undergo the S.A.F.E. Home Study - Structured Analysis Family Evaluation.  This is a comprehensive set of assessment tools to determine your eligibility, suitability and readiness to become a foster parent.
6. P.R.I.D.E. Training (Parent Resources for Information, Development and Education) is a mandatory provincial training program offered to all prospective foster parents in Ontario. It is a 27-hour series of training delivered over a three-month period and provides an informative, thought-provoking look at fostering.

Testimonials