In this Section FAQ
What is foster care?
Foster care provides temporary care for children and youth who cannot remain in their home for several different reasons. Care is provided until a permanent placement plan can be implemented, whether the child is returned home, placed with kin, or placed with an adoptive family.
What is kin care?
Kin care is a type of foster care where an extended family member, neighbour, community member, or someone who has a meaningful relationship with the child or youth, provides temporary foster care.
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.
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.
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.
How long does the application process take?
The assessment process usually takes four to six months.
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.
The Children's Aid Society endeavours to ensure that its services are open, inclusive, safe, affirming and positive for of all the 2SLGBTQ+ community members and their allies.