FAQ

Can anyone be a foster parent?

We are open and welcoming to foster parents of all backgrounds and cultures who are single, married, co-habitating, divorced, gay, lesbian or heterosexual.  We are also looking for a variety of religious and ethnic groups.  As long as you can offer a stable, loving home to a foster child, you can become a foster parent.

There are some requirements that must be met such as being over the age of 21, and having a stable home with adequate room to accommodate a child.  You must also be able to commit to fostering on a full-time basis. (Some exclusions may apply on a case by case basis)

What is your smoking policy?

Our preference is for non-smoking foster parents.  We require anyone fostering children three years and younger offer a completely smoke free environment.  In all other cases, the home must be smoke free and foster parents must smoke outside.

What kind of checks are done on me to become a foster parent?

A Police Check with a Vulnerable Sector Search must be completed on all members of the family over the age of eighteen.  The local child protection agency will be contacted to see if any contact with your family has occurred.  A medical examination must be completed by a family physician and we request five personal references on all potential foster parents.

A tour of your home will occur to ensure that it meets all space and safety requirements.  This will include a fire safety check by the local fire house and a certified furnace inspection.

If I’m going to be the primary caregiver does my partner require a police check?

All individuals over the age of 18 who reside in, or spend a significant amount of time in your home require a police check including a vulnerable sector search.  These checks must be updated every three years.

Could a previous criminal conviction prevent me from being a foster parent?

A past criminal conviction would not necessarily prevent you from being a foster parent.  It would depend on the nature of the conviction and when it happened.  In the early stages of a homestudy, it is necessary to disclose any previous convictions so they can be examined and a decision made.  All information shared with Reachingout Family Homes during a homestudy is confidential.

What reasons would cause you to not approve me as a foster parent?

Being a foster parent is a rewarding and significant choice.  It is very important that a foster family can offer a stable home environment.  Some of the following may suggest it is not the best time for you to become a foster family.

*Financial – It is not necessary to be wealthy to be a foster parent but your financial situation must not be affecting your family negatively.

*Family – If you’re involved in a challenging family situation (separation, divorce, recent loss, medical concerns, having children) your energy is focused on those big life events and adding a foster child may be too much.

*History – Having experienced personal challenges in your past such as abuse can offer strength and skill in supporting children experiencing their own challenges. As a foster child may trigger unexpected emotional challenges, we will discuss your past experiences during the homestudy process.  If you have not had an opportunity to adequately deal with your past experiences, it may not be a good time for you to become a foster parent.

All of these things will be discussed during the homestudy process and each situation will be dealt will on an individual basis.

Can I count on fostering as being a stable source of income?

In no way is fostering a stable source of income.  A foster family receives compensation for providing a home to a foster child.  These placements can last a few days, weeks, months or years but is in no way predictable.  There will be gaps between placements as well and foster parents do not receive any financial compensation during these times.

You should only consider fostering if you are in an otherwise secure financial situation.

Can I choose the age and gender of the child I care for?

During the homestudy process we discuss the age and gender of the foster children you would feel confident in caring for.  Our goal is to provide excellent placement for children in need and we would not choose to place a child in your home if it is not a good match.

Who takes the children to school, medical appointments, meetings etc.?

Foster parents are responsible for transportation to regular day to day appointments.  Foster parents are also responsible for providing transportation or arranging transportation to natural family visits. A Reachingout support worker will accompany you to appointments if support is required.

Do I get to make all of the decisions for a child in my care?

As a foster parent you are one of the most important people within the child’s support team and make day to day decisions about the child’s activities.  The Children’s Aid Society and/or natural parents retain decision making rights for the child and all significant decisions must be approved by the placing agency including but not limited to medical care, school programming and vacations.

Can a foster child share a bedroom with my child?

Yes, a foster child can share a bedroom with another child with some restrictions.  A child over the age of six may not share a bedroom with a child of the opposite gender.  When a foster child is placed in your home a decision about a child sharing a bedroom may be affected by the age difference between the two children.

No child shall share a bedroom with an adult.

How do I get started?

If you are interested in becoming a foster family please contact our agency at 1-905-837-2098 and speak to any member of our team.