Foster parents must meet the essential care needs of the foster children including love, shelter, food, education, security and an opportunity to play and interact with other children. As some foster children have been hurt by abuse or neglect, they may have more needs and require special attention to help them cope with their feelings.

Foster parents must commit to provide a child-safe environment for the foster child. For example, foster parents who wish to care for foster children below 13 years old are required to install window grilles in their homes.

Foster parents should also support the care plans of the foster children they are caring for, such as facilitating access to birth parents and supporting reintegration plans.