To become a resource family, you do not need to be married, have children or own your own home. You do need strong parenting skills, a love of children and time to devote to a child, physically as well as emotionally. Families help children maintain their social, cultural, and religious connections. As the agency works to bring children and families back together, caregivers are also involved with the child’s biological family through visits, meetings and by being supportive.

Becoming a resource family is an important decision that will affect everyone living in your home. The guidelines below are intended to help you come to a decision whether fostering is the right fit for you and your family at this time in your life.

Financial stability

This means families are expected to be able to meet their personal financial obligations before becoming approved as caregivers. Caregivers are not paid a salary. At the end of the month, they receive a fixed daily rate to cover the expenses of the children they are caring for.

Bedroom space

Children in care may share a room; however, they are required to have their own bed. A child over the age of six may only share a room with another child of the same gender. Children in care cannot have bedrooms located in a basement.

Caregivers working outside the home

Children thrive best when there is a full-time parent in the home. If you are working, you may care for children aged six and up. Approval of working parents is dependent on the applicant’s ability to identify an alternate adult caregiver, willing to take on the responsibility of a child’s day-to-day care. Often they are a neighbour, relative or friend.

Smoking

All foster homes and vehicles are required to be smoke-free.