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! This link will pop up in a new window.  

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.