Becoming a foster parent

While a child is in foster care, the foster parents see to his or her daily care.

The length of foster parent care can vary depending on the circumstances of the child. It is important for those who are considering becoming foster parents to familiarize themselves with the role of foster parents, their obligations and rights.

Who can become foster parents?

Different children need different foster homes, therefore different families and individuals can apply. Foster parents can be married, unmarried, cohabiting, single, heterosexual and homosexual, for example.

To become a foster parent, you must apply for permission.

In order for a permit to be granted, applicants are required to meet general eligibility requirements and undergo an assessment. Those who have violated the provisions of the Sexual Offences Act are not allowed to foster a child.

What is it like to be a foster parent?

Being a foster parent can be both challenging and extremely rewarding.

As a foster parent, you are a participant in providing the safe conditions that children need.

Foster care is considered to be a help and support both to the child and its parents. Foster care is an opportunity for the child to recover from difficulties and to develop and thrive. A foster care family can be considered as a kind of family for the child, but it is not intended to replace the family of origin.

Children in foster care are different, both in age and personality, and need different types of care.

It is a big change for both the child and the family to start getting to know each other and to take on daily activities together. Sometimes it is necessary for at least one of the foster parents to take a break from work when the foster child moves into the home, but it is common for both to be working.

Obligations and rights of foster parents

Foster parents do not have custody of the foster child and therefore they never have the same legal status as a parent who has custody of the child under the law.

Foster parents cannot relinquish their duties to others, cannot make major decisions about the interests of the foster child, and must report various changes that occur in their circumstances to the child protection services.

Child welfare services supervise the foster child and foster parents during the period of foster care.

Foster parents must:

• Take daily care of the foster child and decide on his or her personal affairs in consultation with the child protection services.

• Fulfil their child-rearing and care obligations in the best interests and needs of the child and take into account the child's origin, culture and religion as appropriate.

• Show the child care and sensitivity, and try to strengthen his or her mental and physical development.

• Ensure that the child receives mandatory education, other education or vocational training, and can take up recreation activities according to his or her abilities and interests.

• Ensure that the child is provided with general healthcare.

• Consult with the foster child regarding its personal issues as possible, for example with regard to the child's development.

• Work toward ensuring that foster children have rights equal to those to other children.