What matters most is how much you care.

Want to make a difference in a child or teen’s life? Foster parenting is one of the most meaningful ways to help children and teens feel safe and connected to a strong family and healthy community as their families work toward safe reunification. Foster parents help youth recover from abuse, neglect or other family challenges in addition to providing education, medical care and support.

There is a child or teen out there who needs someone just like you. Maybe you’ve considered foster parenting but didn’t think you could qualify. The good news is that you don’t need to own a home or have a partner to get started. Anyone can foster as long as they have compassion in their heart and a desire to help others.

Learn more about becoming a foster parent in these states: 

Foster parents can be:

• Single adults, married couples, people in partnerships 
• People of all gender identities and sexual orientations 
• People with or without other kids in the home 
• People who rent or own their living environment 
• People who are financially stable, but can have any income level

Successful foster parents should be committed to:

• Loving all children and teens unconditionally
• Working in partnership with birth family members and child welfare professionals
• Providing ongoing care and support for children and teens until a permanent plan is implemented
• Completing annual continuing education requirements

Basic requirements:
To become a foster parent in most states, you must:

• Be at least 21 years of age
• Be financially stable and meet your state’s income guidelines
• Be able to provide adequate bedroom space and separate beds for each youth in your care
• Have reliable transportation
• Be willing to complete 30 hours of free foster parent training
• Be willing for everyone in your household to undergo complete background checks. Licensees will be fingerprinted as part of the federal Adam Walsh Act.

There is a growing need for foster parents who will support teens, sibling groups, LGBTQIA+ youth and youth with mental health needs and/or developmental disabilities. Hear from KVC foster parents on why they choose to foster teens and how it’s made a difference in their lives.

Learn more about becoming a foster parent in 

Additional information:

• Foster Parenting: Expectations vs. Reality
• What It’s Really Like to Foster Teens (And Why You Should Do It)
• Fostering Alongside Your Children: Creating Harmony in a Blended Family
• What to Expect as a New Foster Parent: 7 Crucial Aspects to Prepare For
• Say Yes: How to Confidently Decide to Become a Foster Parent
• Financial Planning Tips for First-Time Foster Parents
• Single Foster Parenting: What it’s Like & Why You Can Do It, Too!

We Support You!

At KVC, we work diligently to recruit, train, license and support foster parents. KVC Health Systems is a national leader in strengthening families and transforming lives through innovative, effective, heart-centered care. As one of the most trusted nonprofit organizations in child welfare and mental health, we create positive, life-changing experiences for everyone we serve.

We provide you with:

• 24/7 Care team support—available by phone, in-person and virtually
• Ongoing training and skill development
• Connection to a community of other foster parents
• Health insurance for children and teens
• Assistance finding local resources
• Monthly reimbursement to meet the youth’s needs plus assistance with back-to-school supplies and holiday gifts