Criteria for becoming a foster family

Anyone, irrespective of their civil status, religion, sexual orientation or nationality, can become a foster family. There is no need to have studied in the health and social services field or have a job related to this field. The person can work outside the home.

However, the person must show that they want to invest in the cause of young people in difficulty. . They must also have values such as commitment, openness, compassion, understanding and acceptance as well certain parenting skills and abilities.

If you would like to become a foster family, the public institution in your region responsible for recruitment will assess:

• Your personal characteristics
• Your interpersonal skills
• Your ability to provide support and assistance services
• Your management and organizational skills

Your home will also be assessed.

Since May 2025, requirements have been adjusted to make certain criteria more flexible, but to increase the safety of the foster homes. These changes provide greater flexibility with regard to the requirements concerning the foster home and simplify certain rules.

To be accepted as a foster family, you and your home must first meet various minimum criteria.

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Must be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada.
• Must not have had their recognition as a foster family suspended or revoked for serious causes in the past three years.
• You and the other adults living in the home must not have a criminal record in relation to the abilities and behaviour required to be a foster family;
• New applicants must provide proof of no impediment when requested. In Quebec, a verification of absence of impediment (VAE) is an administrative procedure carried out by a police force to ensure that a person does not have any impediment in connection with the duties they are required to perform with vulnerable children for whom the DYP entrusts them with responsibility.
• There is an impediment when the police investigation reveals:
  • behaviour that may reasonably pose a threat to the physical or emotional safety of the children;
  • a charge or conviction for a criminal offence related to the abilities and behaviour required to become responsible for a foster family, as applicable;
  • a court order (decision by a judge) against the person concerned and which is related to the abilities and behaviour required to become responsible for a foster family, as applicable.
• Must not have declared personal bankruptcy in the last three years.
• Must have home insurance as an owner or a tenant.
• Must have current cardiopulmonary resuscitation and standard first aid certification from a recognized organization.

• Must be geographically located in a place that is accessible, well lit and safe.
• Must meet recognized safety and accessibility standards if the children placed with the foster family have impaired mobility.
• Must have common areas that are clean, have natural lighting, are appropriate for the child and that are sufficient in number for the daily activities.
• Have bedrooms, preferably private, with a window to the outside and that are on the ground floor or upstairs. A bedroom in the basement will be accepted if it complies with safety standards.
• Comply with the laws and regulations relating to fire safety, municipal regulations and/or the regulations of the Construction Code of the Régie du bâtiment du Québec.
• Provide a functional and safe living environment, even if some characteristics vary from household to household. The public institution will assess the real capacity of the environment to meet the children’s needs.