Foster Program Information
Fostering with Beginnings means stepping into a unique and meaningful role. Our foster families provide
loving, short-term care to newborns while birth parents make important decisions about their baby’s future.
You’ll be supported every step of the way by our experienced team, and you’ll know that the care you give —
whether for a few days or a few weeks — makes a lifelong difference.
Fostering with Beginnings Family Services
Foster care may be used when an expectant parent or new parent has had minimal time to process the birth of their child to ensure space and time to consider their options carefully. It can also be used if a parent is wishing to place their baby in our care while exploring an adoption plan. During this time, the baby is placed in the care of a foster family (typically for up to 30 days) while the birth parent works with a Beginnings Birth Parent Counsellor to establish a plan for their child.
In some cases, this leads to an adoption plan. When that happens, the prospective adoptive family will begin visiting and bonding with the baby in the foster family’s home until Ministry approval is granted for the baby to transition into their care. In other cases, birth parents may explore parenting options and prepare for the possibility of the baby being placed back in their care.
As a foster parent with Beginnings, you may be asked to provide updates to birth parents, adoptive parents, or sometimes both. Most calls for foster placements come with very little notice, and all children placed through Beginnings are received into care voluntarily.
Foster families play a vital role in providing stability, love, and care during this short but incredibly meaningful time in a child’s life.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fostering with Beginnings
Does it matter where I live?
Beginnings works with families in a variety of communities and living situations. However, because Beginnings
is a small agency, our needs are always shifting. At times, we may limit applications from certain geographical
areas based on the current needs of the agency.
What if I am currently parenting children who live at home?
That’s perfectly okay! Many foster parents are also raising their own children. Your family will be part of the fostering journey, and our team will support you in helping everyone adjust. It is important for both you and our agency to carefully consider the demands of your home life. We want to ensure you have the time and energy that fostering requires. In some cases, children with developmental, social, or emotional needs may be especially sensitive to changes in the home environment. In those situations, families may need to wait until fostering would have less of an impact on their children.
What if I have adult children?
Having adult children does not affect your ability to foster. In fact, many people with grown children feel ready to open their homes and hearts to a foster child. As part of the approval process, all adult children are asked to provide personal references for foster applicants. Any adults over the age of 18 who reside in the home must complete child welfare and police background checks.
What if I am single?
You do not need to be married to foster. Many single people foster and thrive with the support of their community and our team. That said, it is important to reflect on how you will meet the 24/7 demands of caring for a baby while also balancing employment and other responsibilities.
What if I work outside of the home?
Many foster parents work full-time. However, one caregiver must be available to meet the needs of a baby and to welcome birth family, adoptive parents and agency staff into the home.
What if I still hope to adopt in the future?
If adoption is part of your long-term hope, it’s important to know that fostering can be emotionally challenging. Beginnings does not facilitate foster-to-adopt placements. Children in your care will either move on to join their adoptive family or return to their birth family.
How long is a typical foster placement?
Placements are usually short-term. Most last about 30 days, though many are shorter and occasionally they
may be longer.
How much notice will I receive about a placement?
Typically, notice is very short — anywhere from a few hours to about a week. We understand that timing matters, and we encourage you to say no to a placement if it does not feel right for your family.
What does a day in the life of a foster parent look like? Fostering often looks similar to parenting your own children — bottle feeding, diaper changes, snuggling, night waking, playtime, and appointments. In addition, foster parents take on responsibilities such as attending medical visits, supporting family time with birth parents, and working closely with agency staff. No two days are the same, but every day you are making a meaningful difference in a child’s life.
Is there any compensation for fostering?
Yes. Foster parents receive a per diem to help cover the costs of caring for a child. While fostering is not a job, this support ensures you can meet the child’s needs without financial strain.