After nearly two decades of opening his home to children in care, a Saskatchewan man says he is now locked in a dispute with the provincial Ministry of Social Services over his role in the life of a six-year-old boy.
Background and timeline
The caregiver, identified only by initials for the privacy of the child in care, says he and his former partner began fostering children together almost 20 years ago. They have welcomed more than 17 children into their home over that time.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2016 | Jonathan ("J") brought home from hospital and later adopted by the family |
| 2019 | Foster child D brought into the home shortly after birth |
| 2022 | The couple separated |
| 2024–present | Caregiver reports attempts to clarify his foster status |
What the caregiver says
He says he has acted as a father figure to the younger boy, known only as D, since the child was an infant. D is currently under the provincial ministry’s care and therefore cannot be named publicly.
"I went from being D’s dad (to), I had nothing,"
The father-figure also described confusion after receiving a telephone call from the Ministry of Social Services earlier this year telling him he was no longer a current foster parent and asking if he would like to foster another child. A subsequent letter, received in late March, stated there was "no record that Alan Killoh’s foster parent status was revoked," while the ministry said it understood the man was no longer interested in fostering.
Practical implications and questions for the ministry
The case highlights tensions that can arise when foster caregivers separate. In this instance:
- The adoptive son remains listed with his adoptive father and visits continue.
- The younger child remains a ward of the ministry and the caregiver is seeking clarity about his involvement.
- The ministry’s communications appear to have created a discrepancy between the caregiver’s understanding of his status and the ministry’s records.
Officials have not publicly detailed how the ministry handles custody, visitation or foster status when approved caregivers separate. The family’s experience raises questions about what formal steps are required to retain or relinquish foster-parent status after a separation and how the ministry communicates changes to caregivers.
Context and next steps
Foster-care arrangements frequently involve private-family settings where continuity and stable relationships are critical to a child’s development. Disruptions — whether due to caregiver separation or administrative confusion — can complicate attachments for young children and create legal and emotional uncertainty for all involved.
The account provided to InfoRadar underscores the need for clear, consistent ministry procedures and better communication with caregivers navigating family changes. For now, the caregiver continues to advocate for a defined role in D’s life and for an explanation of the ministry’s position.
Readers seeking further information about foster-care processes should contact the Saskatchewan Ministry of Social Services directly for authoritative guidance on policy and procedural requirements.
