Fostering
We promote foster care as a vital temporary support, offering a safe, nurturing environment for children and youth unable to remain in their family homes.
The Children’s Aid Society of Ottawa strives 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 for 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 and youth provide more than a home – they create hope during a critical stage of development.
Hear from foster caregiver, Melanie, here.
Current Opportunities
We are currently looking for:
- Homes for children with complex needs;
- Homes for all age groups;
- Homes for siblings;
- Homes for adolescents; and,
- Homes that identify with the following cultures and communities: Indigenous, Black and racialized, 2SLGBTQIA+, and/or French language.
Who can foster:
- Individuals who are single, married, living in a common law or same sex relationship
- Individuals who are 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, First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities, Black and other racialized communities)
Process
Becoming a foster parent is a long process. The process includes training, administrative requirements, and an analysis of yourself, your family, and your home. While the process may seem burdensome, it is imperative that thorough assessment takes place for the safety of children and youth who may be placed in your care, as well as to ensure that you are most appropriately supported during your fostering journey.
- Attend a group information session: These sessions are designed to inform you on the process and experience of becoming a foster parent. For more information about our group information sessions, click here.
- Attend an individual session: Following the group information session, individual meetings will be scheduled for those interested in knowing more about fostering. We encourage you to sign up for individual sessions to receive a more personalized account of what fostering could look like for you and your family.
- Application eligibility: Following the information sessions, if you meet all the requirements and no barriers have been identified, you will be provided with an application package.
- Application package: You must complete the application package and return it to The Children’s Aid Society of Ottawa. This package will indicate your desire to foster children and youth and provide our team with details about your fostering preferences.
- Structured Analysis Family Evaluation (S.A.F.E.) Home Study: This is a comprehensive set of assessment tools to determine your eligibility, suitability and readiness to become a foster parent. All prospective foster homes must undergo the S.A.F.E. Home Study.
- Parent Resources for Information, Development and Education (P.R.I.D.E.) Training: This is a mandatory provincial training program offered to all prospective foster parents in Ontario.
Testimonials
Foster Parent Testimonial – Kelly
Kelly is a foster parent with The Children’s Aid Society of Ottawa.
Foster Parent Testimonial – Patricia
Patricia is a foster parent with The Children’s Aid Society of Ottawa.
Foster Parent Testimonial – Rebecca
Rebecca is a foster parent with The Children’s Aid Society of Ottawa.
Explore more
Group Information Sessions
Register for our online Group Information Sessions to learn about fostering and adoption with CASO.
Related FAQs
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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
How long does the application process take?
The assessment process usually takes four to six months.
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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 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
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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Fostering
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.
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Fostering
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.