- Be at least 21 years of age
- Be of good general health
- Be financially self-sufficient
- If you have experience working with children, that is a valuable asset
- Have stable family relationships
- Have consent of all immediate family members
- Be of sound mental health, including the absence of significant history of mental illness or substance abuse.
- Have no criminal charges pending, and absence of a significant criminal background that may have an impact on foster parenting.
- Have no verified or suspected incident of Child Abuse or significant ChildWelfare history.
- Does not personally use or condone illegal substances.
- Have to provide information and consent for Child Protection Information Network
- Maintain a smoke-free home and vehicle, and do not smoke in front of foster children
- Have approved premises.
- Must have a SAFE Home Safety Study Checklist completed
- Have a valid driver’s license or access to a vehicle or be able to problem solve a means to transport a foster child or youth
- Have adequate car and home insurance as per Head Start Foster Homes policy.
- Both single individuals and married couples are welcome
- Have regular access to a family physician. Inquiries must be made with family’s doctor to determine if the physician can also see foster children on a regular basis prior to placements being made in the home
- If water source is other than city water, applicants must submit a negative water quality screen
- Each single applicant must provide names of at least 3 references, and joint applicants provide names of at least 5 references. Where appropriate a reference will be required from your adult children (as per SAFE requirements)
- Recognize and demonstrate in daily lifestyle practice the value of race, religion, culture, language, gender, sexual orientation and ethnicity of any child in care
- Recognize that there is an obligation to ensure that all children in care have access to services that respect their individual needs.
- Be willing to provide varied, nutritionally balanced meals, prepared according to the most current Canada’s Food Guide at set times 3 times per day.
- Be willing to accommodate special dietary requirements or modified meals, including medical, religious, and lifestyle diets.
- Be willing to provide opportunities for children and youth to participate in meal planning and preparation.
- Be willing to obtain medical advice to support children with feedings, nutritional needs and behaviour issues that may not be medical.
- Be willing to serve food that reflects the cultural diversity of the children or youth.
- Be willing to support the preparation of traditional and cultural foods and celebrations relevant to the children and youth placed in the home.
- Completion of PRIDE Pre-Service training.
- Have a positive SAFE home assessment.
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