Are You Interested In Fostering?

For more information call our Peer Support line at 231-0391 or Toll Free at 1-866-940-PEER

"Foster Home" means a home other than the home of the parent or guardian of a child, in which the child is placed by an Agency for care and supervision but not for adoption. (Taken from the Mantioba Foster Family Network manual)

"Foster parents play a vital role in the permanency planning prcess for children. A permanent home is the ultimate goal for all children in care. Foster care is intended to provide children with a temporary residence until they can be returned home, adopted, or graduate to independent living. In some cases they may stay with you until the attain the age of majority. Foster families offer the children care, attention, guidance and patience in a stable home environment. You become attached to the children, but you must be able to let go when the placement ends." (Taken from the Introduction of the Manitoba Foster Family Network Manual)

If you are interested in fostering, it is important to be aware of the process involved in becoming licensed in Manitoba as a Foster Home. Mandated child and Family Services Agencies within the four Child and Family Services Authorities recruit and license Foster Homes that will meet their placement needs. Persons who are interested in fostering have a choice regarding the Agency they want to foster for, however, Agencies can turn away applicants that may not meet their needs. The prospective Foster Parent can then apply with another Agency if they wish.

Prospective Foster Parents are required to attend an orientation, fill out an application, complete a criminal reference check, a child abuse registry check as well as provide four references and have a complete physical examination. The Agency will complete a home study once all the above mentioned information is provided to them. The home study consists of interviews as well as a physical assessment of the home to ensure that physical standards are complied with. Agencies have unique foster care programs that are designed to meet the needs of the comunity they service. It is important that prospective foster parents become aware of the details of those programs when they decide which Agency they would like to be licensed by.