Foster families: first-aid and CPR standards
First Aid & CPR British Columbia
Becoming a foster caregiver in British Columbia means providing a safe, stable home to a child or youth in care. As part of preparing to care, a current first-aid and CPR certificate is commonly expected so caregivers can respond to everyday emergencies.
The first-aid requirement
Prospective foster caregivers in British Columbia complete pre-service training and are approved under the Standards for Foster Homes made under the Child, Family and Community Service Act (CFCSA), which require the home to be safe and equipped for emergencies. A current first-aid and CPR certificate from a recognized organization is generally required or arranged by the delegated agency before or shortly after approval, though it is expected rather than fixed by a single explicit statute.
The certificate is confirmed by the Ministry of Children and Family Development or the delegated Indigenous or resource agency handling your approval. It is one requirement in addition to the home study and the assessment of your suitability to care, and should be kept current.
How to meet it
A recognized, up-to-date first-aid and CPR certificate meets this requirement. It is in addition to the required training or assessment, and is renewed periodically.
Training aligned with the latest emergency-care standards
Our CPR, AED and first-aid training is developed in line with the most recent international guidelines for emergency cardiovascular care and first aid.
We rigorously follow the recommendations of ILCOR (International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation), the international body responsible for the scientific evaluation and development of global resuscitation standards. These recommendations serve as a reference for health organizations, institutions and professional orders worldwide — and are updated as scientific and clinical evidence evolves.
Keep your skills current with confidence
Every intervention can make a difference. Keeping CPR and emergency-care skills current is both a professional requirement and a responsibility toward patients, colleagues and the public.
See the recognized first-aid courses in your regionReferences
- Standards for Foster Homes (Child, Family and Community Service Act)
- Province of British Columbia — Foster caregiving
- ILCOR — International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation
Content is being updated.