Foster caregiving provides a temporary, family-based home for children and youth during times of transition or crisis. Foster caregivers are essential partners in our work — offering stability, care, and encouragement when children and youth need it most.
Our goal is always to keep families together and reunite them whenever possible. In most cases, foster care provides short-term support while families resolve the issues that led to a child’s placement. In other situations, foster care can open the door to permanent connections such as kinship, legal custody, or adoption.
Diverse
Children and youth who require foster care come from many different backgrounds and identities. They may identify as members of Black, Indigenous, 2SLGBTQ+, Muslim, or other equity-deserving communities.
At CASSDG, we are committed to ensuring that every child and youth is placed in a home that respects and celebrates who they are. Providing identity-affirming care helps children maintain their sense of belonging, minimizes trauma, and supports healing and resilience.
Temporary
Foster care is temporary. Placements may last for a few days, several weeks, months, or longer — depending on each family’s situation.
During this time, foster caregivers provide a nurturing environment with routines, structure, and stability. They ensure that every child has a safe home, a space of their own, and caring adults who listen and support their emotional needs.
Flexible
Foster caregivers are compassionate, patient, and dependable. They understand that children and youth entering care have often experienced significant change or trauma.
Successful foster caregivers are open to learning, able to adapt, and work collaboratively with CASSDG staff, community professionals, and families. They help children and youth feel safe, valued, and connected while respecting their cultural background and family story.
Working Together
Foster caregivers are vital members of a child’s care team, which may include:
- Child Protection worker
- Child, youth and family workers
- Teachers and school staff
- Health and mental health professionals
- Cultural or community supports
Together, this network ensures that each child’s physical, emotional, spiritual, and cultural needs are met. Through teamwork and commitment, foster caregivers help children and youth heal, grow, and thrive.