Why
are children in care?
Children
enter foster care because their parents are
unable to care
for them
for a variety of reasons. They range in age from newborn to 18.
How
long will a foster child be in my home?
There
is no set length of time for a foster placement. It depends on the
circumstances of the child and his/her birth family. When a child is
placed in your home, you will be given an estimate of how long the
child is expected to stay. Some children stay in foster care
for a day or two. Others may stay in care for a couple of
years.
Do
I have a choice about which child is placed in my home?
Yes.
Foster parents can specify the cultural background, age, gender and number of
children they wish to care for.
What
are the costs of foster care to potential foster parents?
There
are no fees associated with becoming approved foster or
adoptive
parents. The home study and required training are provided free of
charge.
Will
I receive financial assistance for the children in my care?
Yes.
You will receive a payment designed to cover expenses such a board,
food, clothing, recreation, etc. The basic payment rates (2007) are
$757.67 per month for children under 12 and $866.11 for children 12
and over. Foster parents may be assessed to receive additional funds
based on their skill level and experience.
Do
I have to own my home?
No.
Foster and adoptive parents may own, rent, or be in the process of
buying their home or condo. Families who rent must have their
landlord’s permission to become foster parents. You
must also
carry renter or homeowner insurance.
I'm
single. Can I still be a foster parent?
Yes.
Foster parents can be single, in a partnership, or married.
Can
I work outside of the home?
Foster
parents can work outside of the home. However, in most cases, having
one parent at home, or having a flexible or part-time position often
works best for the children.
What
are the Responsibilities of a Foster Parent?
-
Provide
a safe home and appropriate meals, clothing and accommodation (each
child must have their own bed).
-
Provide
a warm, nurturing environment, guidance and supervision that respond to
the child’s individual needs and cultural heritage.
-
Be
a team player- work cooperatively with social workers and
other professionals for the best interests of the child.
-
Ensure
contact between the child and their family and cultural community when
appropriate.
-
Agree
to the MCFD discipline policy. No physical discipline is allowed, ever,
for any reasons, in your home.
-
If
anyone in your home smokes, it is preferred that they smoke outside.
What
is the biggest need in this area?
We
currently have a need for all homes, especially for teens, babies, children
over ten, children that are part of a sibling group and children
with exceptional emotional or behavioural needs. We also need
homes of aboriginal heritage and homes to provide relief.
What
is the “Safe Babies” program?
Many
infants, who have been exposed pre-natally to drugs or alcohol and
are born addicted, require specialized care. We offer this
specialized training.
Download FAQ - Becoming a Foster Parent (Aboriginal) - (PDF)
For more
Information about Fostering:
If you live in Princeton, Keremeos, Osoyoos, Oliver,
Penticton, Naramata, or Summerland contact:
- Betty at Okanagan Foster Parents Association, 250 488-0561, email SOKsupport
- Ministry of Children and Family Development 250-492-1261 and ask for
Gloria
If you live in Kelowna, Peachland, Winfield,
Westbank, or Lake Country contact:
