Foster Care

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Foster care provides safe, loving and nurturing homes for Nova Scotian children and youth who are unable to be in their birth families because of a family crisis, physical, sexual or emotional abuse or neglect, substance abuse or parent/adolescent conflict.

Foster families are asked to open their homes and hearts to the unique and individual needs of infants, children, and youth and provide them with strength and support until their biological family situation is made safe again or an alterative solution is found.

The goal of family foster care is to provide opportunities for healing, growth, and development, leading to healthier infants, children, youth, and families.

The foster care program is offered by the Family and Children Services agency or the district office of the Department of Community Services in your area. Community Services provides the policy, procedures and guidelines for the operation of the program.

Learn more

• Foster Care Videos
  Learn about the process, challenges and rewards of being a Foster Parent.
• Why Do Kids Need Foster Care?
  Most need foster care because of something done to them or because they have been exposed to an unhealthy environment.
• How to Become a Foster Parent
  The first step is to call us. 
• Foster Parent Eligibility
  Foster parents are young and old, married or single, with or without children.
• The Different Kinds of Fostering
  There are five different categories of fostering available to Nova Scotians.
• Financial Support for Foster Parents
  Foster parents receive a monthly cheque to help cover costs, but you won't make any money.
• Foster Parent Training
  The training we provide is for prospective and current foster parents.
• PRIDE Training Schedule
  All foster parents are eligible to attend PRIDE training.
• Respite Foster Families
  Respite foster families temporarily take over from full time foster families and other families for short periods of time.
• Foster Parent Thank-You Cards