Kinship in Care - CAS of Toronto

Kinship is a living arrangement in which a relative or close community member takes responsibility for a child or youth when they can no longer reside with their parent or primary caregiver. This can include a child or youth’s extended family (Kin) such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, or community members (Kith) such as teachers, neighbours and family friends who can care for the child or youth until they can safely return home.

Kinship in Care is when a child or youth has come into the care of the Children’s Aid Society of Toronto (CAST) and is living in a Kinship arrangement. By living with someone they know and trust in a familiar setting, this arrangement supports a child or youth in maintaining their close connections to their family, community, and identities. Kinship in Care Caregivers receive a per diem similar to that of Foster Parents.

Kinship in Care Caregivers must meet the same requirements as Foster and Adoptive applicants, which includes:

Home visits by a CAST worker
Structured Analysis Family Evaluation (SAFE): This home study is a comprehensive assessment to determine your eligibility, suitability, and readiness to become a foster parent.
Parent Resources for Information, Development, and Education (PRIDE): This mandatory provincial 27-hour training program is taken by all prospective foster parents in Ontario.