Aboriginal Foster Care

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Calgary and Area Child and Family Services has many children in need of temporary homes and families. We are seeking Aboriginal families interested in providing full-time, temporary care for Aboriginal children. Being a foster family means acting as a substitute or an extension of the foster child's family, providing the child with appropriate family and parental role models, and maintaining the child's cultural connections.

Ultimately, the goal of Children's Services is to have children return to their families, or depending on the situation, to be placed in a permanent home or if they are older prepare them for independence.

Eligibility

Aboriginal foster parents are over the age of 18, and of any gender. They are married, single, divorced or widowed, may rent or own their home, be retired or employed outside the home.

Specifically, Aboriginal people who meet the following criteria may apply:

Residence	Resident of Alberta at time of application, home assessment, and placement.
Marital Status	Any adult regardless of marital status may apply.
Age	Minimum age - 18. Maximum age - determined by the best interests of the child.
Health	Physically and mentally capable of meeting the child's needs.
Family Size	Aboriginal foster parents may apply regardless of the number of children in their home.
Financial Circumstances	Foster Parent applicants should be living within their means.

Getting Started

Introduction
Call the Aboriginal Foster Parent Program at (403) 297-2789 if you are interested in becoming a foster parent. Any questions you have about fostering will be answered and support, training requirements and reimbursements are discussed.
Awareness Evening
This optional session allows you an opportunity to ask questions about becoming a foster family. Awareness evenings are held the first Monday of each month. To register, please call (403) 297-2789 or (403) 273-4026.
Pre-Screening
A worker will visit your home, discuss any questions you may have and ensure that you meet the basic eligibility requirements. Any questions about your eligibility will be addressed. You will also be given registration information for Pre-Service Training and will receive your application package. A Child Welfare records check will be completed at this time.
Pre-Service Training
The course consists of 16-18 hours of specialized training around relevant issues in fostering, co-facilitated by an Aboriginal Foster Parent. Training will be completed over two consecutive Saturdays. Application packages can also be given out at this point.
Application
Your application will consist of references, medicals, information by you and your family, and why you are applying to be a foster family. Once the application is received in full, an Assessment Worker will be assigned to you.

Next Steps

Home Study
An Assessment Worker will arrange a number of appointments to meet with you and your family. These meetings make up the home study and will include a discussion of your family's history, family relationships, significant events and how your family works together.
Licensing
After your home study has been completed your Foster Care Worker will tour your home in preparation for licensing. Together you will ensure that provincial safety standards are met for the children you will foster.
Acceptance
At the conclusion of the home study, a decision is made regarding acceptance of your application and family. This is a joint decision made by you and your Assessment Worker.
Matching and Placement
Your Support and Training Worker will notify you once a child has been matched with your family. Upon agreement with the child's worker, the child will be placed with you.

Contact Information

Screener/Recruiter, Aboriginal Foster Parent Program
Calgary and Area Child and Family Services - Native Multi-Service Team
2nd floor, 1021 - 10th Avenue SW
Calgary, AB T2R 0B7
Phone (403) 297-2789 or (403) 273-4026
Fax (403) 297-4181

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How are foster parents compensated?
A: There are two approved methods for financially compensating foster parents:

Basic Maintenance Rate - Reimburses foster parents for expenses incurred meeting day-to-day needs of foster children.
Skill Fees - Compensate foster parents for their time and expertise, and are paid based on the foster parent's training, experience and competency.

Q: What support is available to foster families?
A: Calgary and Area Child and Family Services provides ongoing training and support through a Foster Family Support and Training Worker. The Four Directions Foster Parent Association also provides ongoing support for Aboriginal foster parents through general meetings, social and cultural gatherings, training, and a 24-hour support line staffed by experienced Aboriginal foster parents. As a foster family, you will have access to all available support resources.

Q: What is it like to be a foster parent?
A: Foster Parenting is challenging and can be difficult -- but is very rewarding. Read one foster family's story.

Q: Who are the children I would be fostering?
A: A foster child can of any gender or age. Most foster children have special needs and they require love, comfort, security and stability. They may have learning disabilities, be extremely gifted or profoundly handicapped and often come with siblings.