Did you know?
There are over 18,000 children in foster care in Texas.
Do we really need more foster homes?
Yes, we do! There is a shortage of foster homes in North Texas.
All children deserve a safe and loving place to call home, and sometimes they need a place to land for a short time. Foster parents can provide that and advocate for and with biological families.
Our goal is to strengthen families and we invite you to join us in this mission.
THE FOSTER CARE PROCESS
With you every step of the way, empowering your heart & home.
Step One
You’ve decided you want to be a foster parent, now what? The first step is to find the right agency for you. There are a lot of options in North Texas and we’ve made it easy for you to find a good fit.
Navigate to the map on this page to begin the search for the right fit for you.
Make contact with a couple of agencies. It can be good to “interview” a few before deciding what feels right. Please refer to the frequently asked questions but also ask a lot of questions of your potential agency.
Find the right agency for you here.
Step Two
You have chosen an agency to work with! That’s great! You will then begin the process with your agency of choice. They will walk you through the process and and help you with all required documents and trainings.
While each agency might look unique in their process, the state of Texas requires the following for all foster homes:
- Attend an Informational Meeting
- Complete Foster Parent Training
- Receive an approved home study, background checks and references
Step Three
Congrats! You are now a licensed foster parent and ready to take your first placement! Your case worker will be available to help you through each placement and all questions.
Foster families continue to complete foster parent training hours each year that they are licensed. These training hours help foster families improve and learn new parenting skills.
Find the Right Foster Care Agency for You
We understand that embarking on your foster care journey is a monumental step, and locating the right support is paramount. That’s why we’ve designed an intuitive, user-friendly interactive map, specifically tailored to help you navigate through this vital process with ease and precision. Find providers based on proximity to your location, specialties and categories, and counties served. Start your search today and take the first step towards finding the right foster care provider for you and making a lasting impact on the lives of the children you’ll welcome into your home. Your journey of empowering dreams and fostering futures begins with a click.
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Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
I'm ready! What are the next steps?
We’re so glad you’re ready to open your heart and home to a local child in need. The next step would be to use the interactive map above to narrow down which provider you are interested in licensing with. Once you narrow your search down, please contact that provider directly to learn more about their training and licensure requirements.
How long does it take to become a licensed foster parent?
The safety and well-being of our children is of utmost importance, so the process to become a foster parent is not rushed. Several meetings and interviews will take place as well as a review of your home environment. Your chosen agency will provide the foster family with training that will focus on helping children who have been traumatized. Much of the training occurs before a child is placed in your home. The entire process usually takes 3 to 6 months and is often determined by the family’s willingness and ability to complete required paperwork and various tasks in a timely manner.
Are there specific age criteria for individuals in becoming foster parents?
Yes, specific age criteria vary, but individuals generally need to be over 21 to become foster parents.
Are there space requirements to foster? If so, what are they?
The criteria for space when becoming foster parents differ depending on location and agency, but generally, homes need to offer sufficient space for a child’s requirement, such as a separate bed and room for personal belongings. Inspections are commonly conducted to ensure safety and appropriateness, assessing bedrooms, communal areas, and overall living conditions.
Who is considered a kinship placement?
A kinship placement refers to the placement of a child in the care of a relative or someone with a significant relationship to the child, such as a grandparent aunt, uncle, cousin, or family friend. This type of placement is often considered a preferable option when it is in the best interest of the child, as it helps maintain familial connections.
Can individuals who are single become licensed foster parents?
Yes, single individuals can become licensed foster parents.
Are foster parents permitted to take vacations or travel alongside their foster children?
Foster parents can take vacations with proper arrangements and permissions.
Is there financial assistance provided to foster parents, and if so, what does it cover?
Financial assisstance for foster parents covers basic needs and may include a stipend for the child’s care.
Are there restrictions on the number of foster children a household can care for at once?
Restrictions on the number of foster children can vary by jurisdiction.
Can foster parents have pets in the home and are there any restrictions?
Pet policies vary, with some restrictions in place for certain animals.
Fostering Support
What kind of support do I get as a foster parent?
Once a child is placed in your home, staff will be assigned to your family and will work directly with you in meeting the needs of the child or children. Your agency will have an experienced treatment team available to support your family including licensed therapists, social workers, behavior specialists, and psychiatrists. In case of emergencies, most case managers are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Foster parents are also offered ongoing training throughout the year. Training and other activities provide ways for foster families to meet each other and develop additional support networks. Many times foster families become friends and rely on each other for respite care and other support needs.
How does the educational support system work for foster children, and what role do foster parents play?
Educational support for foster children involves collaboration with schools, and foster parents play a crucial role in advocatng for their educational needs.
What types of behavioral and emotional support are available for foster parents and the children in their care?
Behavioral and emotional support includes counseling, therapy, and support groups for both foster parents and children.
How does the foster care system address the specific needs pf children with disabilities or special medical conditions?
The foster care system addresses the specific needs of children with disabilities through individualized plans and support services.
Are there specific requirements for transportation and access to medical care for foster children?
Transportation and access to medical care for foster children are typically coordinated and supported by the foster care system.
How are educational and extracurricular activities for foster children supported and facilitated?
Educational and extracurricular activities for foster children are supported through collaboration with schools and community resources.
What functions do support groups serve for foster parents, and is participation in these groups obligatory?
Support groups provide emotional assisstance, but participation is not always obligatory.
Licensing & Training
Are there mandatory training or educational prerequisites for individals aspiring to become foster parents?
Yes, mandatory training and educational prerequisites are typically required for prespective foster parents.
How frequently do licensing agencies conduct home visits once an individual becomes a licensed foster parent?
Home visits by licensing agencies occur regularly, usually at least once a month.
How is background check procedure carried out in the context of obtaining foster parent licensing?
Mandatory background checks involve criminal history, child abuse registry checks, and may include fingerprinting.
What are the medical and health prerequisites that prospective foster parents must satisfy?
Prospective foster parents must meet standard health and medical requirements.
How does the matching process work between foster parent(s) and foster children?
Matching involves accessing the needs of both the child and foster family, considering factors such as age and preferences.
Are cultural and religious considerations taken into account in the matching process?
Cultural and Religious accounts are considered in the matching process.
Is there financial assistance provided to foster parents, and if so, what does it cover?
Financial assisstance for foster parents covers basic needs and may include a stipend for the child’s care.
Are there specific safety standards for the foster hone, such as childproofing and emergency preparedness?
Safety standards include childproofing and emergency prepardeness measures.
Are there specific training requirements regarding cultural competency for individuals seeking to become foster parents?
Cultural competency training is often reqauired for individuals seeking to become foster parents.
Supporting Biological Families
What is the process for reunification with biological parents, and how long does it typically take?
Reunification with biological parents depends on colurt decisions, and timelines vary.
Can foster parents adopt the children in their care if reunification is not possible?
Foster parents may pursue adoption if reunification is not possible.
How is the foster care system designed to manage and address the needs of sibling groups?
Sibling groups are typically kept together whenever polssible in the foster care system.
What are the steps involved in the termination of parental rights and potential adoption of a foster child?
Steps in termination of parental rights involve legal proceesings and court decisions.
How does visitation with biological parents work?
Visitation with biological parents depends on the court’s orders and the individual case plan. Visitation schedules are determined to maintain and strengthen the bond between the child and their biological family while ensuring the child’s safety. Visits may occur at a designated visitation center, the foster home, or another approved location, with the frequency and duration of visits varying based on the circumstances and court decisions.
Are there specific guidelines for the communication between foster parents and biological families, and how is confidentiality maintained?
Communication guidelines vary, and confidentiality is maintained through established protocols.
You can make an impact on your community that lasts for generations.
Start the journey today to become a foster parent!