Foster care provides a safe, stable, and nurturing temporary home for children who
are unable to live with their parents or legal guardians. The goal is to ensure the
child's safety and well-being while working towards a long-term solution that is in the
child's best interests.
Anyone who is at least 26 years old, has a stable home environment, and is
committed to providing a safe and caring environment for a child may apply to
become a foster parent. Applicants must successfully complete the assessment and
approval process.
No. Married couples, single persons, and other suitable individuals may apply to
become foster parents, provided they meet the required criteria and are able to
provide a safe and stable home.
The process generally includes:
Completing an application.
An interview and home assessment.
Background and reference checks.
Participation in training.
Certification.
Our Foster Care Coordinator will guide you through each step of the process.
Yes. Approved foster parents receive a monthly foster care allowance to help cover
the basic costs of caring for the child. The allowance is intended to support the
child's daily needs and does not constitute a salary.
The length of a placement varies depending on the child's and family circumstances
and decisions made by the Court. Some placements are short-term, while others
may continue for several years.
J&IS provides ongoing guidance, case management, home visits, training, and
support to foster families. We work closely with foster parents to promote the child's
safety, well-being, and healthy development.
Yes. During the assessment process, you will have the opportunity to discuss your
preferences regarding the age, gender, and needs of the child. Every effort is made
to match children with families that best meet their needs.
Yes. Whenever it is in the child's best interests and approved by the competent
authority, relatives or extended family members may be considered as foster parents
after completing the required assessment process.
You can contact the J&IS Foster Care Department by calling +1 (721) 542-3449,
sending an email to [email protected], or completing the contact form on our
website.. One of our staff members will contact you to discuss the next steps.
Give a child the opportunity to grow up in a safe, loving, and supportive family.
Become a foster parent and make a lasting difference.
You are expected to:
Attend scheduled appointments.
Cooperate with your family guardian.
Follow agreements and court-ordered conditions.
Inform your family guardian of changes to your address, telephone number, or family situation.
Participate in recommended services or programmes.
Act in the best interests of your child.
If you fail to cooperate, the Family Guardianship Department may report this to the Court or other competent authority. The Court may consider this when making decisions regarding the supervision or protection of your child.
No. The Family Guardianship Department cannot independently remove a child from the home. Any decision regarding the placement of a child is made by the competent judicial authority, such as the Court of Guardianship and the Court, in accordance with the law.
Yes. Your family guardian can provide guidance and refer you to appropriate services, such as parenting support, counselling, mental health services, addiction treatment, educational support, or other community resources that may benefit your family.
You can contact your family guardian during office hours by telephone or email. If you do not know who your assigned family guardian is, please contact the J&IS office by calling +1 (721) 542-3449, sending an email to [email protected], or completing the contact form on our website and we will assist you.