Foster Care and Kinship Care
Foster care is
- caring for a child or teen until his or her parent(s) can resume full responsibility, or until another permanent home is found
- a commitment to help a youth through a difficult period
- for people who can provide love and guidance and then be able to let go
Situations that lead to a child or teen needing foster care include
- physical and sexual abuse
- neglect or abandonment
- physical or mental illness of a parent
- death of parents
- emotional or behavioral problems
Children and teens who need foster care
- are every race, age, religion, ethnicity, gender and sexual orientation
- have different likes and dislikes, talents and skills
- are often in sibling groups, which are kept intact when possible
If you want to be a foster parent
Foster parents are adults who
- are married, single or partnered
- are often related to or family friends of the youth (kin)
- represent all races, ethnicities, religions, sexual orientations and genders
- have a desire to help a youth succeed
- are willing to accept a youth, and possibly siblings, as a temporary member of their family
Foster parents must be
- Flexible
Foster care is usually temporary. Foster parents must be able to let go. In some cases, however, if the youth is not able to be returned home safely, the foster parents may be interested in adopting. Every situation is different, and often unpredictable. - Organized
Foster parents work with the youth’s team to organize the youth’s family visits, schoolwork, clinical appointments, CYF meetings, and court appointments. - Team players
Foster parents collaborate with caseworkers, therapists, doctors, and others. Foster parents welcome service providers into their home and transport youth to appointments. Ideally, foster parents can partner with the birth parent(s), as well, and build a positive relationship with them when possible. - Dedicated and understanding
Children and teens healing from trauma are hurt. They express their hurt at many different times, in many different ways. Foster parents work to respond to these expressions in the best way possible, based on their training and supports.
Foster parents are required to
- meet all state requirements
- undergo a criminal and child abuse background check
- be at least 21 years of age
- complete 15 hours of pre-service training
- demonstrate proof of income
No one fosters alone
The Office of Children, Youth and Families (CYF), foster care agencies, and many other organizations support foster parents in caring for children and teens.
Foster parents meet with the youth’s team at least quarterly to make plans and manage challenges. Foster parents are given a stipend to defray the cost of caring for the youth, and each youth is covered by medical and dental insurance.
Next Steps
If you think being a foster parent might be a good fit for you, please visit our Get Started page to learn how to get involved.
If you have questions about being a foster parent, please contact the Director’s Action Line by email or phone at 1-800-862-6783.