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About Fostering Connections:

Fostering Connections supports youth, 17 and under, who are in the government’s care and have no immediate family options. We ensure they are cared for in a safe, licensed foster home that can support their healthy development and meaningful connections until they can be placed with their family, other kin, or their forever home.  

Fostering Connections Provides: 

  • Relationship building with all foster parents.
  • In-home and after hours on-call support.
  • Access to supports and other resources such as mentors, donations, etc.
  • Networking and learning opportunities through support meetings.
  • Access to elders, Indigenous helpers, ceremonies such as smudging and sweats, and other cultural resources.
  • Required training such as First Aid, Trauma-Informed Caregiver Training, Indigenous Teachings, etc. 
  • Free access to the Employee Assistance program.
  • Annual membership to the Calgary Foster Parent’s Association and their recreational activities. 

Who Can Foster:

If you are a responsible, mature and caring adult who can answer yes to the following questions, fostering may be right for you and your family:

  • I am a resident of Calgary and area
  • I have at least one spare bedroom for a child
  • I experience a stable living situation which includes my financial state
  • I have good general health and mental health
  • I have no criminal record or government intervention record
  • There is nothing in my history that would pose a risk to children
  • I have a driver’s license and reliable vehicle, or am willing to obtain these
  • My overall command of the English language is good (verbal and written)

Steps to Becoming a Foster Parent:

There are several steps to becoming a foster parent, beginning with your decision to embark on this journey:

Testimonials:

“My foster parents have supported me by making sure I know about my culture. They take me to powwows and Drum and Dance. This has a big impact on my life because I wouldn’t have learned this much and who knows? Maybe I wouldn’t have been the same person.” – Youth in Fostering Connections 

“Over the 25 years since I completed my training with Hull, I have been privileged to be able to care for 14 amazing youth. As a result, our family continues to grow to this day. This role has shown ALL of my children what compassion and opportunity can truly mean. These incredible experiences are why some of my children have followed a similar path by becoming relief care workers, foster parents and helping others. There is something truly special about this program and how they build relationships with the entire family!  I haven’t seen this elsewhere.” – Lynea, Foster Parent 

“Hull has always been there to support me, guide me through challenging times, help when I needed advice, training, advocate to caseworkers and with everything else, day and night.  This program has become a part of my family. Having a good support system is everything. Like the saying goes, “it takes a village.” Sometimes things challenge us, but we learn and grow as we continue through this journey. Being a foster family is so incredibly amazing and eye-opening. The more flexible, open-minded, caring, and passionate you are, the more you can succeed at helping raise happy, healthy children.” – Candice, Foster Parent

FAQs:

  • Can foster parents work?

    While it is ideal for the primary caregiver to stay home, we understand that this is not always possible. However, we do require you to be flexible in your job so you can fulfill your duties and support the youth in your care. 

  • Will I receive financial assistance?

    Foster parents receive a tax-free per diem and relief care compensation, to offset the cost of caring for the youth such as clothing, allowance, food and shelter.

  • How long does the onboarding process take?

    This process can take 6+ months, depending on how quickly applicants complete the application and training requirements, as well as the government’s approval and licensing timelines. The program will support you with this process. 

  • What is your involvement with the youth’s family?

    It is important to help the youth stay connected to people, places and things they care about. The government case worker will explain what is required, and our program staff will help you carry this out.

  • Can you remain connected to the youth and their family after they leave your care?

    Youth who come to see their former foster parents as natural support and connections, value an ongoing relationship.  With the support of the guardian, this might look like occasional phone calls, getting together with the youth and their family.