North Eastern Ontario Family and Children’s Services (NEOFACS) is seeking persons to become foster parents throughout the districts of Cochrane and Timiskaming.
As part of Child Welfare services, Foster Care placements are provided to children and youth between the ages of 0-21 – when and where necessary. Foster Parents fulfill all parental roles for a child in care.
We are looking for persons that can provide care to children/youth on a full-time basis or on a part-time basis to provide relief (respite). Foster placement can last from a couple of weeks to several years, all depending on the circumstances around the placement. However, we strongly try to achieve permanency and stability for each child/youth that is in care.
Our ultimate goal is to support children to live safely with their family of origin. We work hard to keep families together and children at home. When that is not possible, we first look for the children’s next of kin for care and then turn to foster care.
Who are foster parents?
Foster parents are individuals or couples with a genuine interest in children and a sense of community responsibility. They come from all walks of life, but share a common mission to provide safety and security for children.
We welcome and encourage persons from all different backgrounds. Diversity is important to us because careful planning is given to matching children with the most suitable family. We try matching a child with a family with similar ethnic, cultural and religious practices whenever possible.
What do we require of our foster parents?
- The desire to love, accept and parent a child or youth
- The ability to nurture
- Flexibility and ability to make a significant time commitment
- A basic understanding of the needs of children and/or youth, and a willingness to learn
- Past experience caring for children or youth is a definite advantage
- Optimism, tolerance, patience and consistency are essential to the successful foster family
Who can become a foster parent?
- People who want to parent
- Single people or couples
- You may rent or own your own home
- Applicants can be working outside of the home
- You may or may not have children of your own
- Are willing to work as part of a team (Agency staff, primary family, community professionals) in the best interests of the children
- You must provide a vulnerable sector screening report by police and be approved through a thorough assessment process
- You must complete a 27-hour PRIDE training course (Parent Resource for Information, Development, and Education) prior to the completion of a SAFE
- Home Study (Structured Analysis Family Evaluation)
- You are willing to work with the guidelines, Mission, Vision and Values of NEOFACS
Foster Parents are supported by their resource worker and NEOFACS’ multi-disciplinary team and are not deemed employees of NEOFACS.
NEOFACS offers Foster Parents ongoing training and learning opportunities, a per diem payment of $36.63 a day per child, regular relief, 24-hour support by agency staff, and a unique opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children and youth.
Anyone interested to learn more or apply to be a foster parent, can contact the NEOFACS Intake Department at 705-360-7100 or toll-free at 1-800-665-7743 or 1-866-229-5437, or email fostering@neofacs.org.
Working together for the well-being and safety of children, youth and families.