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Foster & Adopt

Why Foster?

Deciding to become foster or adoptive parents is a big decision, but it is a decision that children need more families to say YES to. Many kids in Central Texas are living in foster care, some are waiting for their parents to work through services before they can go home, and some are waiting for their forever family. There are many things to consider prior to making the decision to pursue adoption or becoming a foster parent. It’s good to take your time and make sure this is the right fit for your family. 

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Foster

So what is the difference between fostering and adopting?  Fostering means that you are committing to caring for a child during one of the most challenging times of their lives. The majority of foster placements are set with a goal of reunification. Reunification means that fostering is temporary, and we don’t always know how long the placement is going to be. What we do know is that children who are placed in homes where they are provided with stable, nurturing and positive relationships during their time away from their families makes a HUGE impact on their lives. 

Child Placing Agencies

Adoption

The same is true for families that decide to adopt. There are so many children in foster care awaiting their forever families. Children spend, on average, two years waiting for an adoptive family once parental rights have been terminated. IN most cases, they are a sibling group or they are older. In many cases, families can also opt to do foster-to-adopt placements. With this avenue, placement is planned and while reunification is still the goal, the opportunity to adopt the child is also a possibility – though not guaranteed. No matter what path you choose, think about the impact that your family can have on not just a child in need, but an entire community.

View the Heart Gallery
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Journey to Licensing

To become a foster or adoptive parent the state requires you to be licensed/certified by a child placing agency. The licensing process can take anywhere from two to four months depending on the agency you choose and the time it takes you to complete your paperwork

Applicants must be:

21 Years or Older

Financially Responsible

Pass FBI and State background checks

Agree to a home study

If you have ever considered becoming a temporary or permanent placement for a child, don’t wait. Ask questions! Start thinking about it now and follow the NEXT STEPS in your journey

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Next Steps

  • 1

    Attend an Orientation at one of our Information Sessions

  • 2

    Examine your motivations and expectations

  • 3

    Select a Child Placing Agency to become licensed

  • 4

    Complete all applications and required paperwork and background checks

  • 5

    Determine what child(ren) might best fit your family

  • 6

    Participate in pre service training through your agency

  • 7

    Prepare your home for a child

  • 8

    Have home study completed by your agency

  • 9

    Wait expectantly

Ready to Help?

Even if you're not ready to foster or adopt -  you can still play a role.  Volunteering with an organization that supports foster care and adoption is a great place to start.  Take a moment to learn more about our partners by visiting the Resource Services page.

Fill out a questionnaire to
discover opportunities that match
your interests and availability

Get Started

DON’T WORRY

Our organizations will only
contact you according to your
interests and permission

"…fostering is about more than kids.  It's about caring for the biological family and having compassion for their circumstances.”

JESSICA

Foster Mom

“It's hard work but immensely rewarding. Fostering is the best thing I'm ever going to do in my life.”

JILLIAN

Foster Mom

“The growth that has happened in the six weeks we've had the kids is huge. It motivates us to keep going.”

MATT

Foster Dad

“We need people that are willing to go the extra mile. Just having someone that we can call and talk to when we are having a bad day or someone just to have as an emergency contact.”

CHANTE

Formerly in Foster Care