Terminology
The following terms apply to the sections in this Chapter. They pertain to the development, licensing and use of foster homes:
Care Provider – a foster parent, respite worker, babysitter or other person providing care for a child in care.
Community Care Provider (previously Service Organization) – an organization not mandated as a child and family services agency such as a family service agency or child care facility involved in developing and using foster homes as part of its service continuum or at the request of the child and family services system.
Licensing Agency – the child and family services agency that is processing an application for a licence or has issued a licence to operate a foster home, and is managing the home unless a managing agency is doing so.
Managing Agency – community care provider or a child and family services agency other than a licensing or placing agency involved in developing or managing a foster home.
Placing Agency – the child and family services agency that is planning to place or has placed a child in a foster home.
Service Provider – an individual or service organization other than a child and family services agency that provides services for the child and family services system.
Agency and Authority Responsibilities
Child and family services agencies have the primary responsibility for developing foster homes. Agencies are also required to participate in interagency initiatives and resource coordination processes developed by the four authorities in collaboration with the branch.
Other service organizations such as family service agencies and child care facilities may develop foster homes as part of their service continuum or at the request of the child and family services system. However, under section 8 of The Child and Family Services Act, these homes must be licensed by a child and family services agency. The director consults with the four authorities in deciding which agency or agencies will be responsible for licensing these homes in a specific geographic area.
Child and family services authorities must have a licensing appeal process in place based on sound legal principles and consistent with legislative requirements. The province encourages the four authorities to work together in developing these processes for the benefit of foster parent appellants and licensing agencies.
Foster Parent Rights and Responsibilities
The sections in this chapter cover provisions in The Child and Family Services Act and regulations pertaining to the rights of children, parents or guardians, and foster parents.
The department has also issued best-practice statements respecting the rights and responsibilities of foster parents. These statements are available on-line at Foster Parent Rights and Foster Parent Responsibilities. The Kinship & Foster Family Network of Manitoba is also a helpful resource.
