About Foster Care

There are currently more than 400,000 children in foster care in the United States. At Raise the Future, we believe that every young person deserves to go through life knowing they have a caring adult by their side. Foster parents are uniquely positioned for this role as they support children and their families while preparing them to reunite.

FOSTER PARENTS PLAY A CRITICAL ROLE

Every year, a quarter of a million children come into foster care in the United States. Many of them will be placed in group homes or other settings because there are not enough foster families to care for all of the children.

Foster care provides a temporary family life experience, in a licensed home, for a child or youth removed from their own home due to abuse and neglect. Foster parents provide a safe home for children and youth while their parents learn new skills. Foster parents play a critical role in helping children heal and are a vital part of the child welfare team. Foster parents support children and their families while preparing them to reunite.

IS FOSTER PARENTING FOR YOU?

Kids are resilient. Even when they have experienced toxic stress, like child abuse or neglect, they can overcome and reach their full potential with support from the community.

If you have the time and patience to dedicate to helping a young person work through the challenges that often accompany a difficult childhood, contact your local child welfare agency.

Visit the page below for general information and resources about foster parenting.

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  • Who can become a a foster parent?

    While each state has different requirements, there are generally no restrictions on who can become a foster parent based on race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or expression, gender identity or marital status. Foster parents must be at least 21 years old, pass a background check, complete training and receive an approved home study. Foster parents must also be able to use sound judgment and demonstrate a responsible, stable and emotionally mature lifestyle.

  • What is the process to become a licensed foster parent?

    The licensing process is different in each state, and yet there are certain steps that almost all states follow. Typically, the process to become a licensed foster parent includes:

    • Foster Care Application
    • References
    • Finger Printing and Background Checks
    • Initial Core Training (usually 24-30 hours)
    • Home Study / Family Assessment
    • Home Inspection / Home Safety Check
    • Ongoing Annual Training (to maintain license)
  • What is a home study?

    The home study is an in-depth assessment of you and your family and provides a formal assessment of your capability to care for a child(ren). You and your family will be asked many questions about your childhood, social history, current relationships, parenting, interests, and motivations. The home study thoroughly assesses your history, relationships, safety, parenting skills, strengths, and any areas of concern. The home study helps the child welfare agency to determine if you would be a safe and stable caregiver to help a child or youth with a history of trauma.

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STATE SPECIFIC FOSTER CARE INFORMATION

  • COLORADO
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  • UTAH
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  • NEVADA RURAL REGION
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  • NEVADA NORTHERN REGION
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  • NEVADA SOUTHERN REGION
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