Update from the 2002 Foster Parent Banquet

Foster Families

What Does a Foster Family Do?

A foster family looks after children in the care of the agency in their own home. This can be for a short or long period of time, depending on how long the child need to be there. In some ways, it is similar to raising your own child. However, in other ways it is very different because a foster child has birth parents and because decisions are shared with the agency worker.

Who Can Become a Foster Family?

Any type of family or a single adult could potentially become a foster family but all adults living in the family must be involved in caring for the child. They must enjoy living with and looking after children, and have good parenting skills. Rewards can be a long time coming, so patience and tolerance are a necessity.

What Training and Support Are Available?

All prospective foster families must take an orientation program and be assessed before they are approved to begin fostering. Further provincial training is available afterwards, and some of it is mandatory.

The foster care coordinator, an agency staff member, provides regular support and supervision to foster families. This includes an annual evaluation and the preparation of a training plan. Foster families are expected to meet high standards in caring for children.

Foster families are reimbursed for all expenses incurred in looking after children, but are not paid for their services.

All foster families are members of the Nova Scotia Federation of Foster Families, which provides a variety of training and support services.

How Do You Become a Foster Family?

We are always in need of foster families, so do not hesitate to apply.

The first step is to contact the Federation of Foster Families by calling 1-800-565-1884.

The Federation will link you to the recruitment and orientation program in your area.

If after completing the orientation program you think fostering is for you, the agency will carry out a complete assessment of your family. Once approved, you can begin fostering.