Who can foster?

Children in care come from a variety of backgrounds; therefore an equally diverse selection of foster parents is crucial.

How to Start

Who can foster?

Foster parents are ordinary people with ordinary families that do extraordinary things. What all foster parents have in common is a commitment to caring for children and youth who cannot live in their own homes.


There are many different people that make great foster parents. Foster parents can be of any gender, single, married, or living in a common-law relationship. They come from various cultural, racial, ethnic and religious backgrounds. They may be young families with or without children. Foster parents may own their own home or be renters. They may be stay-at-home parents, work outside the home or be retired. The goal is to match the diverse group of children and youth in care with foster families that can best meet the needs of the child or youth.



If you meet the following criteria, you can apply to become a foster parent:

  • You are a resident of Newfoundland and Labrador.
  • You are at least 25 years old. 
  • You are willing to participate in the Parent Resources for Information, Development and Education (PRIDE) assessment process including the PRIDE Preservice education sessions.


While experience parenting or working with children and/or youth is considered beneficial, it is not necessary. However, it is essential that you are patient, optimistic, caring, committed and willing to work as a part of a team to support children and youth.



I consider fostering to be one of the greatest privileges that I have had.

Stephanie
Foster Parent

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