This page provides an overview of the general requirements for fostering a child in Canada and the unique standards set by each province and territory. Understanding these regulations is essential for prospective foster parents, as foster care processes vary significantly across jurisdictions.

General Foster care requirements in Canada

Foster care is regulated at the provincial and territorial levels, much like adoption, but focuses on the temporary care of children who are in the legal custody of the government, often due to safety concerns or family issues.

• Eligibility: Foster parents must generally be at least 18 to 21 years old (varies by region), complete a home study, and undergo training. Foster care agencies prioritize the child’s safety, cultural needs, and well-being.
• Goals of Foster Care: The primary goal is usually reunification with the biological family. If reunification isn’t possible, the child may become eligible for adoption.
• Training: Completion of training programs, such as the PRIDE (Parent Resources for Information, Development, and Education) program, is required to ensure foster parents can provide appropriate care.
• Types of Foster Care:
  • Short-term care: temporary placements for children during family crises.
  • Long-term care: extended care for children unable to return to their families.
  • Kinship care: placement with relatives or community members to maintain familial and cultural ties.

Provincial and Territorial Foster Care Standards

Atlantic Canada

• Prince Edward Island: Foster parents must undergo a thorough home study and training. There is an emphasis on placing children with relatives (kinship care) when possible https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/topic/foster-parenting
• Newfoundland and Labrador: Foster parents must meet eligibility criteria, including passing a home study and completing training. The province encourages fostering children from within Indigenous communities to maintain cultural ties https://fosterfamiliesnl.ca/become-a-foster-parent/
• Nova Scotia: Prospective foster parents must pass a home study, criminal background check, and training. Nova Scotia places an emphasis on the well-being of the child and the goal of family reunification https://fostercare.novascotia.ca/page/what-foster-care
• New Brunswick: Foster parents must complete a home study, criminal record check, and training. The province focuses on family reunification, with temporary placements often prioritized https://socialsupportsnb.ca/en/program/fostering-child-or-youth

Central Canada

• Ontario: Foster parents in Ontario must undergo an extensive home study, criminal background check, and the PRIDE training program. The province emphasizes kinship care to place children with relatives when possible https://www.ontario.ca/page/become-foster-parent
• Quebec: Quebec uses a tiered system where foster parents can specialize in different levels of care based on the needs of the child. There is a strong focus on family reunification https://www.quebec.ca/en/family-and-support-for-individuals/childhood/foster-family/becoming-a-foster-family

Prairie Provinces

• Alberta: Foster parents must complete PRIDE (Parent Resources for Information, Development, and Education) training and a thorough home study. Alberta also emphasizes the importance of Indigenous cultural preservation in foster care https://www.alberta.ca/foster-and-kinship-care
• Manitoba: Foster parents must complete a home study, criminal background check, and PRIDE training. Manitoba has specific protocols for Indigenous children to ensure cultural continuity https://www.gov.mb.ca/fs/childfam/fostercare.html