Foster Care Family Contractor

Location: Within your Alberta home. Primarily Edmonton and surrounding areas.

Opening your home to a child or youth is a life-changing commitment. This decision will shape their future and leave an imprint on your family forever. It requires stability, patience, and a willingness to love and care for them as if they were your own.

At CarePros, we believe opening your home to a child or youth is the most meaningful commitment you can make. This is not just a “placement”, it is an opportunity to forever shape a young person’s life. Our goal is to match each youth with a home that embraces them as part of the family, where they are nurtured, supported, and guided with love and compassion.

Because of the profound impact this role has on the child/youth and Care Family, we work hard to ensure every Independent Contractor fully understands the responsibilities, expectations, and rewards before making this commitment.

If you are ready for the joy, the challenges, and the responsibility this brings, please continue reading. If you are unsure, we welcome open honest conversations before moving forward, to make sure this is the right fit for your household, values, and long-term goals.

Is Your Household Ready?

Do you have an unshared bedroom (with a legal window) for a youth to call their own?

Is your family willing to embrace cultural sensitivity, 2SLGBTQIA+, and learn about Indigenous traditions?

Do you understand, or are you willing to learn, child development, trauma, and behavioural management?

Do you have experience or knowledge of:

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

ADHD

Mental health disorders

Other complex behaviours

Can you provide 24/7 care and stability for a youth in your home?

Why Your Transparency Matters

Our goal is to match the needs of children and youth ages 0-17, with the comfort, knowledge, and skills of our Independent Contractors.

When expectations are clear from the start, we can prevent unexpected disruptions which can be heartbreaking for the youth and your household.

Requirements and Commitment

21 years of age or older - Financially stable

Not providing any other services (forms of care) for other agencies

Maintain proactive measures in obtaining a foster home License from Government of Alberta, which entails:

Willingness to commit time to complete HAR/SAFE Assessment process (minimum 3 interviews taking 2-4 hours)

1-hour check in with HAR Assessor after above process is complete

Completion of PRIDE Pre-Service training, GOA licensing requirement

Takes 35 hours to complete 10 online sessions and 2 virtual check ins

PRIDE is self-paced, but must be completed within 12 weeks (GOA policy)

Provide 3 positive references

Provide and pass medical clearance (physical and mental health) from applicant's known Family physician

Canadian permanent resident (legally authorized to work in Canada)

Proficient in both spoken and written English

Excellent collaboration and communication skills

Knowledge of de-escalation techniques, mental wellness practices, and effective home care processes

CarePros Training: Therapeutic Crisis Intervention and Service Excellence

Safety requirements:

Must own a 4-door vehicle

Must have a private (unshared) bedroom with a legal window available

A Day in the Life

Provide input and support during assessments

Complete daily documentation and progress notes in our secure online system (no paper records)

Collaborate regularly with supervisors and case teams

Create age-appropriate activities and opportunities for growth

Participate in group activities and outings

Teach life skills, personal hygiene, and daily routines

Build therapeutic relationships through engagement and advocacy

Support youth through crises using therapeutic approach

Model socially appropriate behaviour and encourage community involvement

Behaviour Management Comparison

Foster Care (Independent Contractor with CarePros): Behavioural challenges can be intense and unpredictable, sometimes involving aggression, withdrawal, or resistance to authority. Understanding the “why” behind the behaviour is essential, as well as tailoring responses to the child’s history and triggers.

Daycare: Behavioural guidance often based around teaching sharing, turn-taking, and following group rules, with fewer cases of deep-rooted behavioural trauma.

What You Bring

A deep passion for making a lasting impact on a young person’s life

A natural ability to connect with youth

A home environment that is safe, stable, and welcoming

Compassion, patience, and commitment to guiding a child/youth through challenges and growth

Give yourself the space to truly consider whether you are ready to open your heart and home, and to commit to a life-changing role for both you and the child/youth. If you are, we would love to hear from you.

Compliance Regulated Requirements

An active Alberta Class 5 Driver's License

A clear Alberta 10-year Driver's Abstract (10 years driving experience in Alberta is not required)

A current Standard First Aid with CPR Level C (Canadian Provider, in person or blended)

Alberta auto insurance with $2 million liability coverage

Alberta Residential or tenants’ insurance with $1 million liability coverage

CGL (Commercial General Liability) $2 million liability insurance coverage

All persons 18 years and older living in the home must provide:

Clear Criminal Record with Vulnerable Sector Check obtained within the last 4 months

Clear Intervention Record Check obtained from Children Services within the last 4 months

The Perks

Non-taxable income (Independent Contractor is not an employee)

4 days per month to take time for you (Respite days)

Staff support care worker 4-8 hours per day

Innovative technology to assist in your daily routine of providing care

Cornell University TCI Training (Therapeutic Crisis Intervention)

A collaborative and diverse organization supporting you through your journey in making an impact in the lives of children and youth

NOTE: This does not serve as a comprehensive list of expectations and requirements.

We thank all applicants for applying; however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

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