FAQ's

Anyone can be a foster parent as long as they meet our eligibility requirements and they have the right parenting attitude. There is no special education nor degree required. Caithkin provides ongoing training and development through In-service programs and on-line courses. All foster care programs in the province of Ontario are overseen by the Ministry of Children and Community and Social Services. Caithkin has been licensed since 2001.

Families are matched with children according to their own family makeup, considering gender, developmental and emotional challenges, age, culture and geographic location. Sometimes children are placed in their own community to provide continuity, but this is not always the case. Caithkin currently receives referrals for children from infancy to 18 years of age.

Each home has the support of a resource worker who ensures that their concerns as well as those of the child are considered in the development of the individual plan. In addition, Caithkin has Treatment Support Workers who work with our children when this has been identified as an appropriate resource within the Individual Treatment Plan.

Placements can range from a few days to several years depending on the individual case.

Although foster parents do not receive a salary for fostering they are provided for reimbursement for any expenses that may be incurred. This rate is established by the overseeing Ministry.

Once a child is placed in your home, the necessary steps will be taken to establish that child's "normalcy".  This includes school registrations, health maintenance regime as well as the development of a "treatment plan" that is reviewed on a quarterly basis. Specific resources may be deployed that can include, inidividual therapy, treatment support workers, community partner resources like speech or occupational therapy, recreational opportunities, as well as access and respite.  

Although foster parents do not receive a salary for fostering they are provided for reimbursement for any expenses that may be incurred. This rate is established by the overseeing Ministry

Individuals interested in becoming involved should contact the office. Following the initial contact, an information session will be confirmed to discuss the process moving forward, some important points to consider, an overview of policies and procedures, as well as expectations around in-house training.  If at that point you confirm that you are still interested in moving forward an application package will be prepared for your completion. Arrangements will be made to complete an inspection of your home to ensure that it meets Ministry requirements.  Upon receipt of the completed application, and while your references are being obtained the Executive Director will make an appointment to meet with you, and all other family members. Once you have been approved, it is likely that you will be asked to provide respite for an internal home prior to a full-time placement. You will then be placed on our vacancy list and presented to the placing agency when an appropriate referral is received.