Key Steps Involved in Becoming a Maple Star Foster Parent

The process of becoming an approved foster parent with Maple Star Specialized Foster Care may take anywhere between 2 – 4 months. This process is vital in selecting the most appropriate homes to care for vulnerable children. Within the approval process, an applicant can expect to: have a Maple Star worker visit them at home; participate in a comprehensive background check; and attend ten sessions of pre-service orientation at our office in Concord.

Below is an indication of the key steps that an applicant would complete before being approved as a Foster Parent:

Application Form

Home Consultation

5 Personal References

Pre-Service Orientation and Training

Criminal Record Check

Children’s Aid Society Check

Proof of Automobile and Home Insurance

Physician Reference for all household members

CPR/First Aid Certification

Home, Health and Safety Check

Home Study Review

Driver’s Abstracts

Certificate of Rabies Vaccinations for any pets

I foster because as an immigrant I wanted to give back to the country that adopted me.
- Pauline Williams, Maple Star Foster Parent

Minimum requirements for becoming a Maple Star foster parent:

Be at least 25 years old

Possess a valid driver’s license and vehicle for transportation

Possess auto and homeowner’s/renter’s insurance

Submit 5 positive references

Successfully complete the Maple Star application

Have the ability to care for one or more (maximum 4) children aged 0 – 16

Submit to a criminal record/police clearance check and a Children’s Aid record check

Complete 40 hours of pre-service training

Complete a home study/home licensing inspection

Home, Health and Safety Check

Maintain an emotionally, physically and financially stable household

Have one adult in the home full-time to provide care for the children

Enjoy the challenges of working with children and youth in your home