Foster Care Frequently Asked Questions
I am over 60, can I still be a foster parent?
Will I have to provide financially for the foster child's care
Does being unemployed or being on a pension rule me our as a foster parent?
Is it possible to maintain a full-time career and be a foster parent?
I have a criminal conviction, does this mean that I am automatically barred from being a foster parent?
Do I need specialized training to become a foster parent?
Do I have to be a homeowner to become a foster parent?
Can people with disabilities become foster parents?
I am a smoker, would that stop me from being a foster parent?
We are a gay couple. Can we foster?
I am a grandparent. Do I still need to do the Pre-Service Training?
How can I find out more about becoming a foster or adoptive parent in my community?
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I am over 60. Can I still be a foster parent?
There is no official upper age limit on foster care as long as you are reasonably fit and active. Many older people make excellent foster parents. They bring a wealth of skills and experience to the task and many young people find it easier to relate to an older person.
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Will I have to provide financially for the foster child's care?
Foster parents receive financial reimbursement and remuneration when caring for foster children.
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Does being unemployed or being on a pension rule me out as a foster parent?
No. If you are unemployed, receiving benefits, or living on a low income you can still be a foster parent. Foster parents receive allowances and other payments to cover the cost of caring for the foster child.
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Is it possible to maintain a full-time job/career and be a foster parent?
It is possible to combine a full time job/career with being a foster parent. You just have to demonstrate that there is sufficient time available within your family to care properly for the children.
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I have a criminal conviction. Does this mean that I am automatically barred from being a foster parent?
Having a criminal conviction does not necessarily bar you from fostering. There are certain, specified offenses against children which will automatically rule you out. But if you have been convicted of offenses other than these, your application to foster will still be considered. Those responsible for assessing your application will want to take into account the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it and how long ago it happened.
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Do I need specialized training to become a foster parent?
All potential foster parents need to attend training before they foster a child. Training varies from agency to agency. In addition, once approved, foster families receive ongoing training and social worker support.
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Do I have to be a home owner to become a foster parent?
No. Foster parents can be home owners or renters but the setting where a foster child will live must be safe.
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Can people with disabilities become foster parents?
People with disabilities do become foster parents. Wheelchair users and people with hearing and visual impairment are among those making a valuable contribution to fostering services around the country. And remember, some of the youngsters in foster care have special needs themselves.
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I am a smoker, would that stop me from being a foster parent?
Smoking and other health factors do not stop you from being a foster parent. You might have to agree to restrict your smoking to certain areas of your home.
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We are a gay couple. Can we foster?
Yes. We have gay and lesbian persons and couples who provide high quality foster care.
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I am a grandparent. Do I still need to do the training?
Yes. All foster parents must successfully complete training. Parenting your own children is a valuable experience but is not the same as parenting someone else's child.
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How can I find out more about becoming a foster or adoptive parent in my community?
Call your local child welfare agency or follow this link Contact Us.
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