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How Do I Become A Foster Caregiver?

Last updated on July 5, 2023

The assessment process for foster families is outlined below. It is a very thorough process and ensures families are well-positioned to meet the needs of the children and youth who require their care. 

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Step 1: Call Us!

Be prepared to provide a little bit of personal information such as:
  • Your name and age
  • The names and ages of the people who live with you
  • What kind of space you have available in your home
  • The children you could foster (e.g. age, gender or special needs)
Connect with the BCFFPA Monday through Friday from 8:30AM to 4:00PM at 1-800-663-9999
or reach out to the Indigenous Perspectives Society at 1-250-857-4969
 

Step 2: Attend an Info Session

The foster organization will let you know about local information sessions designed to help prospective foster caregivers make the decision about fostering. Attend a Foster Family Information Session
Topics include:
  • How to become a foster caregiver
  • What's involved in being a foster caregiver
  • An overview of B.C.'s foster care system
 

Step 3: Submit Your Application:

After the Info Session, prospective foster caregivers can then formally apply to become foster caregivers. Only at this step will an application be made available.  If you choose to continue, complete the application package and return it to your local office.

The screening of your application will include:

  • Four personal references – one must be from a relative
  • A medical assessment completed by a physician*
  • A criminal record check and/or review (anyone over 18 years old who will be living in the home must have a criminal record check done)
  • A prior contact check for previous child welfare involvement

*May be managed by HUB, if applicable

 

Step 4: Parent Resources for Information Development and Education (PRIDE) Pre-Service Training

PRIDE Pre-Service training is required for all new prospective caregivers. PRIDE Pre-Service is 35 hours of online training, facilitated by a group of specialized virtual facilitators, and is completed over a 12-week period. Your social worker will register you for the training. 

 

Step 5: In-home interviews

A social worker will conduct a number of in-home interviews with prospective foster caregivers and their families to assess their:
  • Home environment
  • Parenting skills to meet the needs of a child or youth in care
  • Willingness and ability to collaborate with social workers, a child’s family and extended family, and, where appropriate, a child's Indigenous community

 

 

Introduction to Foster Caregiving (PDF)

Introduction to Foster Caregiving

Connect with the B.C. Foster Parents Association (BCFPA) or call us today at 1-800-663-9999 to request an information package.

Indigenous Perspectives Society or call them 1-250-857-4969 – Monday through Friday from 8:00AM – 4:00PM

Foster families receive a monthly maintenance payment that covers the costs of caring for a child. Providing foster care is not a job – foster caregivers are not expected to give up their employment in order to care for children.

Children's needs range from reasonably straightforward to very complex, which requires different types of foster care.

All caregivers are required to complete the PRIDE In-Service Training within two years of becoming approved.