EXPLORE FOSTERING
From Heart to Home: Guiding Your Every Step With the Utmost Care.
We know the rollercoaster of emotions you're feeling right now — excitement mixed with a bit of anxiety, from the endless paperwork to facing the unknown unknowns, and maybe even picking yourself up after previous foster care system heartaches.
That's why we exist: to truly see you and be with you every step of this journey.
Lean on us to get the right advice that will guide you confidently in expanding your family. Together, we'll move through this and create a secure and loving home that wraps your whole family in the comfort and joy they deserve.
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Applicants must be at least 25 years old to apply.
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Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
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Applicants must have an extra bedroom designated for the addition of a child.
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Applicants must pass a criminal background check and drug screening.
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Applicants must be mentally, emotionally, and financially stable.
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Applicants must be willing to complete training and home study.
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Applicants must be willing to work with agency, DFCS, birth families, and other providers in the best interest of the child.
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Applicants must be able to provide unconditional love, guidance, support and patience with children who have experiences trauma.
Starting Your Journey
If you're eligible and ready to explore welcoming a cherished child into your home, it's time to take the next step: connecting with our team for a pressure-free intro call.
We'll talk through the fostering process and you'll get to ask any and all questions you might have.
After our discussion, you'll know and feel confident if this is indeed the right route for you and your family.
The Fostering Process (with us)
Welcoming a child
in your home.
With us, you get a devoted caseworker to join your journey. They will guide and support your child's placement within your nurturing home.
Your Caring 4 Kids caseworker will assess, plan, and coordinate services tailored for both your new addition and your family, advocating for the child's needs whenever necessary (i.e. in court, at school, and beyond.)
When you open your home to a child, you open your heart to a love you never knew existed.
Ready to open your heart and change a child's life
for the better?
FAQs
Are there age limits to becoming a foster parent?
The minimum age is 25 years old, and at least
10 years older than the child. No age limit, but foster parents must be self sufficient and able to
care for a child.
Is there a minimum income requirement?
No minimum, but you must be financially stable and able to take care of your personal needs.
Can I apply if I live in an
1-bedroom apartment?
Yes, you could foster a child up to age 24 months.
Is it OK to travel outside of GA with foster children?
Yes, we encourage you to travel with your foster child(ren) to give them normal familial experiences. However, if you are traveling outside of the state, you do have to get permission from DFCS.
Can I foster if I receive government assistance?
Yes, most types of assistance are OK but you cannot be receiving housing assistance.
Can I foster if I have pets?
In most cases, child-friendly domestic pets are allowed and encouraged in foster homes. You will need proof of vaccines. Exotic pets require additional DFCS approval.
Can children in foster homes share rooms?
This may be allowed but determined on a case by case basis
Can I only foster or do I have to adopt?
You choose what is best for you. You may foster and then decide to adopt or you may only want to foster.
Do I have to be a US citizen?
No, but if you aren’t, you must have a green card/permanent resident card.
Will I have contact with bio family?
Yes, fostering is considered a partnership so you will have some contact with the child’s family. The primary goal of foster care is reunification with the birth family.
What is respite care?
Respite Care is a temporary care (a few hours to a week) for a child who is staying with another full-time foster family, while the foster family is unable to care for the child due to travel or other circumstances (of if they want a break/respite for a few days).
Can I foster if I have a swimming pool?
Yes, however there are safety requirements and additional training required for homes with pools and bodies of water.
How long does the approval process take?
It can take anywhere from 2-6 months depending on how quickly you can complete the training and home study.
Will kids move schools or stay in their home school?
Ideally, kids will stay at their home school but if it is not feasible, they may move to your local school. It is determined on a case by case basis.
What is kinship care?
Kinship Care is when children who are in the foster system go to live with relatives or fictive kin. These kinship parents can go through the foster approval process and receive the same services as other foster parents.
What children do we serve?
We serve children ages 0-22. Children in care often have emotional and behavioral concerns; they may be displaced from their families due to legal issues; some will come from families experiencing loss. The most common reason that children in Georgia enter foster care is neglect. All children in foster care have experienced trauma. Being removed from their family, is a traumatic experience regardless of age or whatever may have precipitated their removal.