How Do I Become A Foster Caregiver?
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.
- 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)
- How to become a foster caregiver
- What's involved in being a foster caregiver
- An overview of B.C.'s foster care system
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
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.
- 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