The Different Kinds of Fostering

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There are five different categories of fostering available to Nova Scotians:

1. Full Time Regular foster parents look after the majority of children who need care. This category looks after children who do not require specialized care. They receive training, have access to supports, and receive reimbursements toward the costs associated with fostering.
2. Emergency foster parents are available to take children on short notice and provide care and support until a longer term arrangement can be made. If you become an emergency foster parent, you could receive calls any time of the day or night, and would need to care for children of all ages coming into care for a variety of circumstances. Emergency foster parents require special skills and compassion to help the child understand what is happening to their families and provide stability while the child is in their care.
3. Part Time Regular - Respite foster parents take children for short periods of time when the birth parents or other foster parents need some relief for various reasons. These breaks are planned and only occur once or on a regular basis throughout the year (ie. such as one weekend per month).
4. Specialized foster parents work with children who have challenging emotional, behavioural or medical needs. These parents require special skills and training and also receive additional funding for their unique work.
5. Kinship foster parents care for children who are previously known to them. These homes are only approved for a specific child or sibling group. These families are relatives, neighbors or close friends of the family.

Foster parents may choose to be available for more than one of these roles, and together with the agency, can discuss what options might be best for them.