Foster parents are individuals committed to provide a safe, stable home for children/youth who are temporarily removed from the care of their biological family. This work comes with unique challenges as children/youth in care may have experienced various forms of trauma including but not limited to physical, emotional and/or sexual abuse.
To ensure your success as a foster parent, each home is assigned a Foster Care Support Worker. The Support Worker is responsible to assist you in meeting the needs of the child/youth in your care. Being a foster parent is more than meeting the basic needs of children/youth. It is expected children are cared for in a loving and therapeutic environment. As an agency we place emphasis on maintaining meaningful relationships for the children/youth in care.
“The more healthy relationships a child has, the more likely he will be to recover from trauma and thrive. Relationships are the agents of change and the most powerful therapy is human love.”
– Bruce D. Perry
a passion to help child/youth with challenging circumstances.
in partnership with birth family, Children’s Services and other professionals.
ongoing care and support to meet the therapeutic needs of the child.
annual training requirements, documentation, and participation in required meetings.
with the understanding of trauma, regulation, and positive parenting techniques.
The requirements to become a foster parent are, but not limited to:
Call us or complete an interest form online and a Recruitment Specialist will schedule an in-home or virtual session to share information regarding our organizational philosophy, services and answer your questions.
After this consultation you will be provided an Application Package.
Once we receive your completed application, you will be enrolled in the mandatory OCT Training.
This training is a series of 8 sessions (24 hours). The training is free and is offered weeknights and weekends and is offered by Children’s Services - Alberta.
Following OCT completion, you will be asked to submit additional paperwork to prepare for your Home Assessment. The home assessment interviews involve everyone in your household and this phase generally takes 2 – 3 months to complete. The home assessment will recommend approval.
If approved, you will complete paperwork to meet Licensing requirements. We will schedule your Licensing appointment and a Support Worker will assist this process.
The Four Phases will take approximately 5 - 6 months to complete.
Mountain Plains needs caregiving foster families. We are looking for potential caregivers who are:
Foster parents and children in their care receive individualized support based on their unique needs (0-18). Children/youth in your care are assessed to determine their needs and an individual service plan is developed. You will be assigned a Foster Care Support Worker who will support, advocate and provide direction.
You will be working with experienced professionals. You will be supported, valued, and recognised. As a foster parent you become an integral part of the Mountain Plains’ team and connected to a peer network of experienced foster parents.
We are responsive to the needs of our foster homes and the children/youth in our program. A Foster Care Support Worker will meet with you each month and communicate with you between these visits. We will support you through your fostering journey by providing knowledge, innovation, and accountability.
We are celebrating our 30th anniversary in 2021! As a foster parent with Mountain Plains’ you will be a part of an established organization with high standards and expertise in helping children/youth in need.
Children Service’s determines the Foster Care rates. Foster parents receive non-taxable reimbursement to assist with the expenses associated with clothing, medical expenses, school and recreation costs. We reimburse expenses in a timely manner.
We are looking for families from diverse backgrounds with a wealth of experiences. We are grateful for your consideration of our program and strive to expand our community of engaged caregivers.
Mountain Plains acknowledges we operate on the traditional ᐊᒥᐢᑿᒌᐚᐢᑲᐦᐃᑲᐣ (Amiskwacîwâskahikan), Treaty 6 territory of the Cree, Dene, Blackfoot, Saulteaux, Nakota Sioux, as well as the Métis. We acknowledge the many First Nations, Métis and Inuit whose footsteps have marked these lands for generations. We are grateful for the traditional Knowledge Keepers and Elders who are with us today and those who have gone before us. We recognize the land as an act of reconciliation and gratitude to those whose territory we reside on or are visiting.
CRA Charitable #13972 5428 RR0001