Foster Parents

Position Summary

Foster parents provide a safe, nurturing, and supportive home environment for children and youth in need of temporary care. Foster homes are essential in offering stability and care during times of transition, and foster parents play a crucial role in the well-being and development of the children and youth they support.

We seek foster homes that reflect the diversity of our communities, including all cultural and religious backgrounds, 2SLGBTQ+ communities, and individuals with a variety of skills and experiences.

About Foster Parents:

• From every race, religion, and cultural background
• Of any gender identity and sexual orientation
• Partnered or single
• With or without children of their own
• Over 21 years old
• From every income level
• In various work situations, whether stay-at-home or not (some situations may require a stay-at-home parent)
• With different levels of physical ability

Foster parents provide emergency, short-term, and long-term care for children and youth of all ages. Some homes may focus on specific age ranges, such as babies or teens. Foster parents also care for children of all cultural and religious backgrounds, sexual orientations, and gender identities.

About Foster Family Homes:

• Must have a bedroom (children may share a room, but not a bed)
• Can be any type of dwelling (e.g., house, apartment, townhouse, etc.)
• May have pets

Supports Provided

• Foster parents receive financial support each month per child. This non-taxable assistance covers the cost of housing, food, and other necessities related to the care of the child or youth.
• Foster parents are provided with initial and ongoing support, guidance, and learning opportunities.
• Access to therapeutic services for the child.
• Access to a community-based program to assist with managing challenges.
• Peer support through the local Foster Parent Association and the Foster Parents Society of Ontario.

Foster parents at Durham CAS are entrusted with significant responsibility and trust. We ensure that those who choose to foster embody respect, responsibility, reliability, compassion, support, and trustworthiness, and can contribute their strengths to assist the children, youth, and families we support.

Additional Information

Volunteers have the flexibility to accept or decline transportation requests based on their availability, and they are eligible for mileage reimbursement of 0.57/km and $25 per month personal cell phone reimbursement.

All volunteers are required to: register to Attend an Upcoming Foster Caregiver Information Session - Durham Children's Aid Society, undergo and successfully pass a background check and child welfare check, attend mandatory training as required, attend a mandatory orientation session, and complete a vehicle inspection of your personal vehicle.

About Us

Durham Children’s Aid Society has been supporting families and protecting children in our community since 1905. We are responsible for providing child protection services to children and youth under the age of 18, and their families, who live in Durham Region.

We work with families and our community partners to help children grow up safe and healthy. In most instances, we are able to keep children safe in their family home by working with their primary caregivers to address any challenges they may be facing.

Learn more about us at Foster Care Information - Durham Children's Aid Society

Our Commitment To Diversity

We strive to be an equitable and inclusive employer. Our commitment to equity is grounded in an institution-wide commitment to achieving a working, teaching, and learning environment that is free of discrimination and harassment. We actively seek candidates from First Nations, Métis, and Inuit, racialized and 2SLGBTQ+ communities, women, and people with differing abilities (including people who have experienced mental health and substance use challenges).

We are committed to a selection process and work environment that is inclusive and barrier free. Accommodation will be provided in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code.

Please apply by completing an application form found on our website: Application & Approval Process - Durham Children's Aid Society

Applications received through the Charity Village are NOT reviewed.

We thank all volunteers for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.