Our Foster Parents are dedicated, skilled and caring Individuals with varying backgrounds, who have previous education/experience working with children and youth. Backgrounds include but are not limited to: Educational Assistants, Child &Youth Workers, Social Services Workers, Corrections, Security, School Bus Drivers, Personal Support Workers, Day Care Providers, Intuitive parents, Teachers, and Police officers. White Rabbit foster parents participate in a thorough application and homestudy process prior to any child being placed within their home. All White Rabbit foster parents are offered on-going opportunities for professional skill development throughout their fostering careers. White Rabbit activity seeks individuals with experience working with children and youth who have behavioural, emotional, psychological and social needs. We encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds to pursue their foster interests with White Rabbit and warmly welcome all suitable individuals regardless of race, religion, creed or sexual orientation.

Foster Parents are generously compensated with a tax-free Per Diem that assists in caring for the child's needs plus additional expenses covered (medical, recreation, camp, respite, clothing, etc). It is important to note that this money is not regarded as income.

There are options to Foster in your own home or in a home provided.

The criteria and selection process is designed to seek out those who are committed to providing Excellence in Care and Service to Children and Youth.

Basic expectations and process for application to foster with White Rabbit Treatment Homes:

• Experience working with children and youth displaying challenging behaviours and demonstrate a proven ability to be balanced and appropriate under stress

• Have genuine interest in providing care, possessing a positive attitude and self-motivation

• A parent must be available for the children 24 hours a day (ex: if the home has two parents, one parent does not work outside of the home or employment schedules of parents are coordinated for one parent to be available to youth at all times)

• Valid driver’s license, insurance and safe vehicle. Current driver’s abstract and copy of driver's license to be provided

• Educational diploma and/or degree if applicable

• Completion and participation in a Personal Evaluation and S.A.F.E Homestudy

• Current Vulnerable Sector Police Check for applicants and anyone residing in the home over 18. Applications to be provided by White Rabbit.

• Medical authorization from your primary care physician indicating suitability for fostering and caring for others. Medical authorization for all other family members or occupants residing in the home also to be provided.

• Reference Checks (3 letters of reference for single applicants and 5 letters of reference for couples supporting your suitability for fostering). Professional references from former employers as well as personal references from friends, family or other professionals can be accepted. All references will be contacted.

• A protection records check to be submitted and completed by the local child welfare agency and all child welfare agencies applicants have lived in throughout adulthood. A release of information is to be signed by the applicant which permits a White Rabbit representative to speak with the local child welfare agency and/or any who may have had contact with applicants in the past

• Make a commitment to foster the children and youth.

Following the above items are submitted and findings are acceptable Next steps are:

• Review and interview of Personal Evaluation Booklet/Home Study.

• Proceed to training if suitable.

• Review agency personnel, Roles and Responsibilities, lines of communication, Policies & Procedures.

  • • • The System and How it works

      • Home Safety, CYFSA policies – WR procedures

      • Communication skills overview

      • Conflict Resolution

      • Giving and accepting feedback and constructive criticism

      • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

      • Behaviour Management, Coaching, How to be firm without sacrificing warmth, Incentive systems and routine and rule setting

      • Written and Verbal reporting requirements

      • Review of forms and paperwork and designing your individual home programme.

• Meeting veteran foster parents to have candid, open discussions regarding fostering

Approval to foster with White Rabbit Treatment Homes is based upon:

• The above requirements being met by the applicant

• The assessment by White Rabbit Treatment Homes regarding overall ability of the applicant to effectively deal with the high needs children/youth in our programme in a professional manner.