Becoming a Foster Parent in Nova Scotia

What is foster care?

Foster care provides substitute families to children and youth who are unable to be in their birth families for different reasons and varying lengths of time. The aim of the program is to provide safe, loving and nurturing foster homes for children and youth. It is a program offered by the Family and Children's Services Agency or District Office of the Department of Community Services in your area.

Why do we need foster care?

Children and youth need foster care because of a family crisis, physical, sexual or emotional abuse or neglect, substance abuse or parent/adolescent conflict. As a result of these experiences, most children have needs which require time and attention.

Who can be a foster parent?

Are you a stable, healthy and mature adult who enjoys children or youth? Are you caring, understanding, patient, adaptable and able to "hang in there" without expecting immediate results and rewards? If you can answer yes to these questions, you have the potential to become a foster parent. However, being a foster parent is not for everyone and needs to be discussed with members of your household.

How can I become a foster parent?

The Regional Foster Care Recruitment Worker of the Department of Community Services in your area offers a Foster Family Orientation Program to answer all of your questions and provide you with most of the information you will need before making a decision to become a foster family.

What supports are available to foster families?

There are a number of supports available to foster families, including:

• individual support with your social worker
• group support through local foster parent organizations
• ongoing foster parent training
• foster parent financial support

How can I get involved?

For more information, please contact us at: 1-800-565-1884
Click here to watch a series of foster care videos.