Foster Care

Children come into care under the authority of The Child and Family Services Act either through a voluntary agreement between Social Services and the parents, or by an order of the court. Support services are then provided to the child's family so the child can eventually return home. Until it is safe for the child to return home, Social Services provides a home or other residential placement that will best meet the needs of each child. The majority of children in the care of the ministry are placed in foster homes. Wherever possible, placements with extended family or within the child's cultural community are sought in order to maintain family and cultural connections.

The majority of children remain in care for brief periods of time before returning to their immediate family, extended family or cultural community. Over 80% of children leave care within one year of entering. The majority of these children leave care within the first six months. Wards under permanent or long term care orders represent about 40% of the total number of children in care. Only a small number of children become permanent or long-term wards during a year and an equally small number of wards leave care.

Foster care is provided by families in the community who offer their homes to children who cannot live with their own families for a period of time. Before becoming approved to have children placed with them, foster families must pass a thorough home review and orientation. Once approved, foster families must complete additional training related to the special needs of children in care and their families. Foster families come from all walks of life, and a variety of cultural, education and economic backgrounds. There are about 800 foster homes in the province.