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Camrose Drayton Valley Edmonton Innisfail Lacombe Lloydminster Ponoka Red Deer Vermilion Wainwright Wetaskiwin

The Foster Care program recruits, trains and provides support services to foster parents in the Edmonton,  Central Region North (Wetaskiwin, Wainwright, Camrose, Lloydminster, and surrounding areas) and Central Region South (Red Deer and surrounding areas) who are selected to care for children and youth, up to age 18, who are in need of protection and nurturing.

Am I eligible?

Anyone interested in fostering can contact the Foster Care program. A Service Coordinator will meet with the potential foster parent to provide you with an orientation to the program and home approval process.

Eligibility requirements include but are not limited to:

  • Criminal Record Check and Children's Services Intervention Record Check for the applicant and all persons in the home over the age of 18 years;
  • First Aid training;
  • Provision of medical information from their physician;
  • Participation in a home study; and
  • Safety inspection of the home.

Where is this service provided?

This service is provided in Edmonton and greater area, as well as Central Alberta with offices in Wetaskiwin and Red Deer

How much will it cost me?

This program is funded by Child and Family Services and Designated First Nations Authorities. A new applicant will be required to cover the costs of the initial documents needed for the application process. There may be minimal annual fees associated with keeping certifications current. Once a foster parent has been approved, costs for the renewal of these documents will be covered by the Foster Care program.

Catholic Social Services Foster Care

Catholic Social Services is committed to

  • Children and youth feel safe, healthy, and are able to reach their full potential.
  • Children and youth are protected from further abuse and neglect.
  • All children and youth received into the Foster Care program are direct referrals from Child and Family Services or Designated First Nations Authorities.
  • Foster Parents and program staff work with these bodies to support children and families.
  • Catholic Social Services' Foster Care ministry provide safe, secure, and nurturing environments for children or youth.
  • The Foster Care program works under the premise that the child or youth has the best chance of success by receiving proper care, support, and resources while living in the community.
  • The goal will be for the child/youth to return to their biological parents, other family members, or be considered for adoption.

Foster Care Edmonton

Supports to Foster Parents

The role of a foster parent is very important in the lives of foster children. At Catholic Social Services, we believe it is important to support our foster parents in the best way possible. We offer parents:

  • Monthly visits to address any issues that may arise
  • Annual reviews of progress
  • 24-hour access to support staff
  • Ongoing training
  • Social events with other foster parents

Remuneration is provided to foster parents. Portions of the funds distributed to foster parents are intended to provide financially for the child or youth in care.

Foster Parents Edmonton

How to Become a Foster Parent

If you are interested in opening your home to a foster child, contact us and we will guide and support you through the following steps:

  • Attending an information session.
  • Completing the application package. This includes a criminal record check, a Child/Youth Information Check (CYIM), reference checks, a medical test and a drivers abstract.
  • A home assessment with an Agency Placement Coordinator.
  • Attending the required training.
  • Home Inspection from an Alberta Government Licensing Officer.

How do I learn more?

Please contact the following offices for services in your area. A Coordinator will set up a meeting to provide you with an orientation.

Catholic Social Services, Edmonton
10320 146 Street
Edmonton, AB
Phone: (780) 471-1122

Catholic Social Services, Central Region
Red Deer, Wetaskiwin, Lloydminster, Camrose, Wainwright and surrounding areas
5104 48 Avenue
Red Deer, Alberta
Phone: (403) 347-8844

Welcome to our CSS “How to Smudge” video.

 

Catholic Social Services is committed to supporting culturally meaningful practices that honour the diverse backgrounds of the families and children we serve.

 

Smudging is a traditional Indigenous practice that involves the burning of sacred herbs for cleansing, healing, and connection.

This video is designed to help foster parents understand the significance of smudging, learn how to perform it respectfully, and create a welcoming environment for Indigenous children in their care.

By watching this video, you will:

  • Gain insight into the cultural importance of smudging
  • Learn step-by-step guidance on how to smudge safely and appropriately
  • Understand ways to support and honour Indigenous traditions within your home

We encourage you to approach this practice with an open mind and heart, and to reach out if you have any questions or need further resources. Thank you for your commitment to fostering a respectful and inclusive environment for all children.

Reach Out