Glossary

Verified: October 2026 — Administrative jargon, translated into human language.

DPJ

Directeur/Directrice de la protection de la jeunesse — Director of Youth Protection (Quebec). The DPJ places children with foster families. Each CISSS/CIUSSS has its own DPJ.

CISSS / CIUSSS

Centre intégré (universitaire) de santé et de services sociaux (Quebec). The 22 regional institutions running social services, including foster-family recruitment through the DPJ.

RTF

Ressource de type familial (Quebec). The legal term for foster families: self-employed workers covered by a collective agreement.

FFARIQ

Fédération des familles d'accueil et ressources intermédiaires du Québec. The association representing foster families and negotiating their collective agreement (~2,300 families).

CAS

Children's Aid Society (Ontario). The ~47 local bodies running child protection and foster parent recruitment, each on its own territory.

PRIDE

Parent Resources for Information, Development and Education. The pre-service training program used in most provinces (typically 27 to 35 hours): attachment, grief, positive discipline, working with birth families.

SAFE

Structured Analysis Family Evaluation. The home-study method used notably in Ontario and Alberta: structured interviews, home visit, references.

Kinship care

When a child is placed with an extended-family member or significant person rather than an unrelated foster family. The legal priority everywhere in Canada.

Customary care

In Indigenous communities, placing a child according to the community's customs and traditions. Formally recognized, notably in Ontario.

Banque mixte

A Quebec program: a foster family may adopt the fostered child if they become eligible for adoption.

Respite

Temporary care of another foster family's child, giving them a break. Also a way to discover the role.

Matching

Pairing a child in need with a foster family, based on the child's needs and the family's capacities.

Per diem

Daily amount paid per placed child. Most provinces pay per diem; Newfoundland and Labrador pays monthly.