Every child and teen deserves a safe place to sleep, a caring adult to listen, and the reassurance that they are not alone. For thousands of youth in foster care, those simple needs can feel out of reach… until someone like you opens their heart and home. If you’ve ever asked, “Is foster parenting right for me?” this is the perfect place to start exploring what foster care could look like in your life.

Becoming a foster parent is about more than providing shelter. It’s about offering stability during a season of crisis, and love when it’s needed most. Many foster parents say that while they stepped into foster care to change a child’s life, their own lives were transformed in ways they never imagined.

Michelle, Mikhayla and Dakota

“Yes, it’s hard. It’s REALLY hard,” says Michelle A., who began as a foster mom and adopted the two children in her care. “But the overwhelming joy that comes with each milestone, each victory, each tiny success towards healing… the joy in these moments far outweighs anything on the foster care journey. My friends always say how much the kids needed me, but it didn’t take me long to realize that it was I who needed them.”

Not sure where to begin? You’re not alone. The decision to become a foster parent can feel big, even intimidating. How do you start? What’s required? And how can you tell if foster parenting is the right path for you?

That’s exactly why KVC Health Systems created a collection of brand new free expert eBooks and guides filled with real stories, practical tools and honest answers to your biggest questions. Whether you’re simply curious or ready to take the next step, these resources will help you explore what foster parenting could look like for you… and remind you that you don’t have to figure it out alone.

How to Know if Foster Parenting is Right for You

You can foster a child at any stage of life, regardless of your relationship status, gender identity, income level or where you live. What matters most is how much you care. We have options that work in your life, right where you are – for exactly who you are.

Every foster parent starts with the same question: Am I ready? It’s completely normal to have questions – this is a big decision! You might be wondering what it takes, how your life may change, and whether you can truly make a difference in a child’s or a teen’s life. These questions are where every great foster parent begins.

Our free checklist gives you a real-life glimpse into what it’s like to be a foster parent. Get to know the challenges, the rewards and the moments that change everything. You’ll also discover what makes you uniquely qualified to provide the stability, care and connection a child or teen needs most.

Take a closer look at how KVC walks alongside foster parents with expert training, 24/7 support and a shared goal: helping children and families heal, grow and reunify as soon as safely possible.

Download your FREE checklist today and see if foster parenting is right for you.

What to Look for in a Foster Care Agency

Once you’ve decided to become a foster parent, one of the most important choices you’ll make is which foster care agency will support you. The right agency can make all the difference, offering you the guidance, training and ongoing support you’ll rely on every step of the way.

But how do you find the one that’s truly the best fit for you? How can you be sure the agency you choose will stand beside you, answer your questions and help you make a meaningful impact in a child or teen’s life?

When comparing foster care agencies, ask yourself: Does the agency…

• Give around-the-clock support?
• Provide foster parent training?
• Have options for respite care? (Opportunities for you to take breaks and time away while fostering)
• Reimburse me for the child’s basic needs?
• Help with other expenses for the child?
• Have a good reputation?
• Have the proper accreditation?

These are just a few of the questions that can help you find an agency that truly fits you, your goals and your lifestyle.

Want to feel confident in your choice? Download our free eBook, The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Foster Care Agency, to learn exactly what to look for and how to find the agency that will support you every step of the way.

Frequently Asked Questions About Foster Parenting

If you have a lot of questions about foster parenting, you’re not alone — every future foster parent starts right where you are. There’s so much to learn and think about, and it’s normal to want clear, honest answers before taking the next step.

That’s why we created a guide with the top ten most frequently asked questions about foster parenting — all in one place to make this journey a little easier. Want a sneak peek? Here are a few questions and answers straight from the eBook.

Who can be a foster parent?

The most important qualification to be a foster parent is how much you care. Anyone can become a foster parent as long as they have compassion in their heart and a desire to help others. There is a child or teen out there who needs someone just like you.

Requirements to become a foster parent aren’t complicated. In most states, you have to be 21 years old (though in some areas you can foster as young as 18, and sometimes exceptions are made for kinship care provided by a family member). Foster parents can be single or partnered, and of any cultural background or sexual orientation. You don’t have to be a homeowner, as long as your rental home or apartment has the space to take in a child in need!

What is the process to become a foster parent?

The specifics of becoming a foster parent will vary depending on your state and the foster care agency you work with, but it typically involves 20 to 30 hours of training to help equip and prepare you to be a supportive foster parent. In addition to this training, you’ll participate in a home study visit to ensure your home meets the needs of a child or teen, checking for essentials such as sufficient personal space for the child and a bed of their own.

Looking for honest answers about fostering? Download our free eBook, The Most Frequently Asked 10 Questions About Foster Parenting, to learn why kids enter care, why reunification matters, and what to expect on your foster care journey.

What About Treatment Foster Care?

Whether you’re already a foster parent interested in diving deeper or are still new to the whole world of fostering, there is a growing need across the country for therapeutic or “treatment-level” foster parents. These special and passionate caregivers care for youth with complex needs, supporting them in their community and preventing them from requiring a higher, more restrictive level of care called residential treatment. Treatment foster care (TFC) is designed for children and teens who are in foster care and have significant physical and/or mental health needs that require a higher level of support.

Powerful Stories of Love, Hope and Healing

Being a treatment-level foster parent is more than a role, it’s a calling. It takes courage, compassion and an open heart to stand beside a child or teen and their family during their most vulnerable moments.

Yes, the work can be challenging. But it’s also profoundly meaningful. These foster parents witness quiet victories that grow from their care and consistency – moments when a child begins to trust, laughs freely again, reaches a milestone or starts to believe in their own strength.

Each breakthrough is a reminder that love, patience, and presence truly can change a life.

Looking for real stories from people who’ve been there? Download our free eBook, Treatment Foster Care: 5 Powerful Stories of Love, Hope and Healing, to explore the honest challenges, powerful joys and unforgettable moments of being a foster parent.

Becoming a Treatment-Level Foster Parent: What You Need to Know

What does it really look like to be a treatment-level foster parent? This eBook takes you inside that experience: showing what daily life looks like, the unique needs of the children and teens you’ll support and the powerful difference you can make. You’ll also see how to get started and learn more about how KVC will help you every step of the way.

Wondering if treatment-level foster parenting is right for you? Download our free eBook, Becoming a Treatment-Level Foster Parent: What You Need to Know, to discover the responsibilities, types of placements, and life-changing rewards of providing treatment foster care.

You would be so good at this.

Becoming a foster parent is a big decision, and an exciting one! We want you to feel as prepared and passionate as possible before you get started, and these eBooks and other resources can help you get started. Download KVC’s free foster care and foster parenting resources to see if fostering is right for you.

If you want to learn even more about foster parenting before taking the leap, explore the latest foster care news, research and impactful stories on our blog.

Considering Foster Parenting?

Want to understand what each type of foster care entails? Take a look at the types of foster care.

Curious how foster parenting actually compares to what you imagined? Explore expectations vs. reality in foster care.

Preparing to care for a youth in foster care for the first time? Check out seven questions to ask before this big moment.

Unsure what it looks like to foster as a single parent? Short answer: You’ve got this! Find out what single foster parenting is really like, and why you absolutely can do it.

Learn how foster parents and birth parents can partner for the best outcomes in this guide to reunification.

Fostering Teens

Thinking about fostering older youth? Discover what it’s really like to foster teens, and why it’s so rewarding.

Hear straight from foster parents about what they wish you knew about fostering teens.

Real Stories

See real foster parents share their stories and encouragement in this short video.

Get inspired by The Domino Effect of Hope, a story of courage, compassion and commitment.

Discover how one family found balance and joy in fostering alongside their children.

And when you’re ready, reach out to find out how you can become a foster parent with KVC!