EDUCATION & TRAINING
Foster parenting is both challenging and rewarding. Foster parents will be tasked with caring for children who have experienced trauma. Supporting a child to reach their potential is the greatest reward — whether it’s seeing their self-esteem grow, learning mechanisms to deal with adversity, or experiencing personal and academic achievements.
A VILLAGE TO TURN TO
Beginning on your first day as a new foster parent, you will have access to expert social workers who will provide individualized support to you and your family. You’re not alone on this journey.
FOSTER MENTORS
You will be matched with an experienced foster/kinship parent who understands what you are experiencing and can support you. Mentoring will be a helpful tool for you to utilize as you begin this journey.
COMMUNITY AND PEERS
As a foster parent, you’ll have access to a supportive peer group to help you and your family integrate into cultural and community events.
MENTORSHIP & COMMUNITY
Foster Calgary is dedicated to supporting you every step of the way in your journey as a foster parent or kinship family.
Our Approach
At Foster Calgary, we use approved curriculum, based on the Trauma-Informed Care model to prepare foster parents with information on how to manage trauma, including why certain behaviours develop, and how to cope.
Real-Life Training
At Foster Calgary, we equip foster parents and kinship families with valuable training about supporting children in care. Foster parent training provides real-life applicability for you, your family and the unique child in your care.
Numerous Topics
Whether it’s learning about ways to balance the needs of your biological and foster children, finding ways to cope with stress as a foster parent, or adjusting emotionally after a child is returned to their biological parents, Foster Calgary is your partner on a lifelong journey of giving back to the community.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS ABOUT FOSTERING
Q. Can I foster a baby or toddler?
A. If you would like to foster a child younger than one year of age, one parent must be at home full time to care for them
Q. I work full-time. Can I still foster?
A. Yes – you may be placed with school-age children. You will need to have the flexibility to attend any appointments they need and be there to supervise when they are not in school or other supervised activities.
Q. What could prevent me from fostering?
A. If you’ve had a recent criminal conviction or interactions with Child or Family Services over concern for a child, you will not be able to foster a child. Foster caregivers cannot have had a major life event in the past 12 months (ie. moving residence, in a new relationship, loss of a job, significant health diagnosis), or be currently expecting an additional child through pregnancy or adoption.
Q. Do I need to make a certain amount of money to be a foster parent?
A. No – people of varying incomes are foster parents. You must, however, have a regular source of income and show you can support your monthly expenses. Employment Insurance is not considered a stable income.
Q. What kind of home do I need?
A. If you would like to foster, your home must have at least one spare bedroom and pass an environmental safety assessment. You will also need to have home insurance.
Q. Do I need a car?
A. Yes – you will need a car, driver’s license, and valid car registration and insurance.
Q. I have renters or non-biological people regularly in my home. Can I foster?
A. You can’t foster at the same time as providing services to people with a disability or a day home. If you have renters, they will need a separate entrance and the suite must be fully self-sufficient.
Q. Do I have to be in good health?
A. Yes – to foster you must submit a medical report that demonstrates your physical and mental health.
Q. How long will my fostering application take?
A. The time it takes to become a foster parent varies for everyone. The licensing process typically takes from three to six months. But it could be much longer. if you have not been in Canada in the past five years, then your Child and Family Services Intervention record check can take 12-18 months to receive.
