Fostering Myths and Realities | Saskatchewan Foster Families Association

A Foster Parent's Role

It's much more than just a roof and bed

Foster care is an essential service for children, youth and their families, who must live apart for a period of time. When kids come into care, they need a place to call home - no matter how short or long that period of time is.

Read about Fostering, the Children, the need for Foster Families, and Financial Support.

How to Become a Foster Parent

Becoming a foster parent could be the most rewarding thing you will ever do.

While the process does involve a number of steps, it’s designed to help you decide if fostering is a good fit for your life and what role would be a good fit for you as a foster family.

Discover the Six Step Process of Becoming a Foster Parent.

Fostering Myth vs Reality - Myth: Most children coming into foster care are babies. Reality: Children can enter foster care at any age. At times there are needs to place babies, other times teen placements represent the greatest need. Consider fostering.

Fostering Myth vs Reality - Myth: If you've never had children, you can't become a foster parent. Reality: Yes you can! Experience certainly helps, but people who haven't parented their own children can be excellent foster parents. Consider fostering.

Fostering Myth vs Reality - Myth: Children placed with foster parents are difficult and disruptive. Reality: Not as a rule. Children placed in foster care may have experienced trauma and loss. It can be hard for them to talk about their needs. Foster parents get training and ongoing support to help. Consider fostering.

Fostering Myth vs Reality - Myth: Fostering is expensive, parents pay out of pocket. Reality: Foster parents receive monthly maintenance payments to assist in their caring for a foster child. Special needs payments may be available for exceptional needs. Consider fostering.

Fostering Myth vs Reality - Myth: If you are part of the LGBTQ+ community, you can't foster. Reality: Yes you can! Diversity and inclusion are values important to us, and LGBTQ+ foster parents are welcomed! Consider fostering.

Fostering Myth vs Reality - Myth: Foster parents are on their own, without support. Reality: Not true! Foster parents are assigned a Resource Worker for ongoing support. SFFA members can access support through training, advocacy and in-home support services. Consider fostering.

Fostering Myth vs Reality - Myth: Single people can't become foster parents. Reality: Yes you can! We have many caring and compassionate single foster parents in Saskatchewan, and SFFA provides support and training. Consider fostering.

Fostering Myth vs Reality - Myth: If you've had contact with the child welfare system, you can't become a foster parent. Reality: Every situation is unique. Even if you have previous involvement with the Ministry of Social Services, your circumstances can be assessed, and you may be able to foster. Consider fostering.

Fostering Myth vs Reality - Myth: Foster families can't have two working parents. Reality: Yes you can! If you have a desire and devotion to foster, we'll help find a foster child placement appropriate for your work situation. Consider fostering.