Foster Family

There are three types of foster families. In all three cases, you can foster more than one child at a time.

Regular foster family

• Child from 0 to 17 years old
• Length: short, medium, or long term (up to 18 years)

Mixed-bank family

• Child from 0 to 17 years old
• Length: long term with a desire to adopt, if the child's status allows it
• Child receiving child welfare services

More information on the mixed-bank project of foster care >

Kinship foster family 

• Child from 0 to 17 years old
• Child with whom you have a significant relationship (family member)
• Length: short, medium, or long term (up to 18 years)

More information on the kinship foster family project >

Specialized foster family 

• Children from 0 to 17 years old (up to 9 children)
• Children requiring higher levels of care and services
• Length: short, medium, or long term (up to 18 years)

More information on the specialized foster family project (French) >

You can become a foster family if you meet the following requirements: 

• Be 18 years of age or older.
• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada.
• Have personal, professional, and financial stability to offer to a child or teenager.
• Be in good physical and psychological health.
• Have the physical space to accommodate a child and a living environment that meets safety, hygiene, and comfort standards.
• Have the skills and ability to support a child.
• Have no criminal record or complaints related to the skills or conduct required for operation (this criterion applies to all persons living in your household).

Become a foster family by following these five steps. If you have any questions during the process, you can refer to the foster-care recruitment officer: recrutementrtf.ciussse-chusanti-spam@anti-spamssss.gouv.qcanti-spam.anti-spamca

Step 1: Information meetings

Take part in one of our group information sessions in Sherbrooke or Granby. The session, which lasts two and a half hours, gives you the opportunity to learn more about the foster care and to get answers to all your questions. Register now!  

Please note that the dates are on the registration form and that you will receive a confirmation of registration.

Step 2: Official registration

Fill out the documents handed out at the information session and send them to one of the addresses indicated on the documentation: 

• By e-mail to: recrutementrtf.ciussse-chus@ssss.gouv.qc.ca 
• By mail: 1621 Prospect Street, Sherbrooke, Quebec, J1J 1K4
  C / O Recruitment Team, Room 015-A

Step 3: Evaluation of your application and your environment

An evaluator will contact you to evaluate your application. Several meetings will be organized to draw a portrait of your family: your lifestyle, health, values, and interests.

Step 4: Certification process

Following your meetings with the evaluator and the home visit, your application will be submitted to a certification committee to evaluate the feasibility of you becoming a foster family. If your application is successful, you will be required to sign a service agreement with the institution.

Step 5: Arrival of the child 

A pairing exercise will be conducted in order to properly identify the child or children who will be entrusted to you. You will be assigned a counsellor to help you support the child throughout his or her stay. Tools will be made available to you; do not hesitate to refer to them.

Children in foster care are between the ages of 0 and 17 years. Many of them have special needs that require specific support: intellectual or physical disability, attachment disorder, developmental and/or language delay. These children are removed from their family environments because their parents are unable to meet their needs.