Get Help Help A Child Get Involved LOCATIONS ABOUT US STORIES & RESOURCES NEWS EVENTS CONTACT DONATE Show fierce love: Become a foster parent When you become a foster parent, you give a child the stability and support they need as their family works toward reunification. Contact Us What is foster care? When a child is removed from their home, their world feels out of control. They need to know they’re safe during this vulnerable time. When you become a foster parent, you give a child a loving home and the stability they need until they can be reunified with their family. At Bethany, we believe foster care is fierce love — the type of selfless love that can empathize with a child’s hurt and boldly step up to be that child’s advocate. When you’re ready, Bethany can help you be the answer for a child in need. You provide a loving home, and we'll provide the support you need. Common questions about foster care How many kids are in foster care in the U.S.? How much does it cost to be a foster parent? What are the qualifications to be a foster parent? What qualities do you need to be a good foster parent? Is there a Bethany foster care program in my area? How many kids are in foster care in the U.S.? Over 400,000 children are in the U.S. foster care system. The average age of a foster child is 8. There is an urgent need for foster homes for older children (ages 11-17) and sibling groups. Your role as a foster parent As a foster parent, you will: Provide a safe and supportive home environment to a child who has experienced trauma Help the child feel safe, loved, and connected until they can be reunified with family Provide transportation for education, medical appointments, and extracurricular activities Together with Bethany, support the child and their family as they work toward reunification Bethany's role as a support system Bethany will support you every step of the way: You’ll be assigned a support team, which might include foster care specialists, foster care supervisors, licensing specialists, doctors, therapists, and other service providers — professionals who know how to connect you to specific resources to meet the child’s individual needs You’ll receive specialized training on how to parent children who have experienced trauma You can be matched with experienced foster parents who will act as mentors What is the process for becoming a foster parent through Bethany? The process to become a foster parent looks different in each state, based on their licensing requirements and regulations. Generally speaking, these are the steps to become a foster parent through Bethany: Attend a free informational meeting hosted by your local Bethany branch Complete the certification process, which includes a thorough background screening and specialized foster care training from Bethany staff Receive your first foster placement and welcome a child or children into your home Download our free ebook If you're feeling scared or anxious about becoming a foster parent, you're completely normal. Discover answers to your big questions about foster care. Download Attend a meeting Information is power. When you attend a foster care meeting in your area, you'll dive in deep, ask questions, and discover if foster care is right for you. Find a Meeting Contact us When you’re ready to take the next step in your journey, we'll connect you with a licensing specialist. Contact Us Resources you can trust Reunification: The goal of foster care The first goal of foster care is always to reunify children with their parents in a safe, stable environment. How to become a foster parent Discover answers to many of your questions about becoming a foster parent and preparing for your first placement. Adjusting your expectations about foster care While we don’t want to talk you out of becoming a foster parent, we want you to set realistic expectations for what foster parenting is like. Our website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn More Accept SUPPORT Donate Volunteer Sponsor a Global Family Advocate For Churches Leave a Legacy Start a Fundraiser RESOURCES Adoption Emergency Care Foster Care Global Refugees Pregnancy COUNTRIES Albania Colombia Ethiopia Ghana Haiti South Africa Uganda ABOUT Careers Locations Press room GLOBAL HEADQUARTERS 901 Eastern Ave NE Grand Rapids, MI 49503 PHONE (800) 238-4269 © 2021 Bethany Christian Services Client Rights and Privacy Accreditation Privacy Policy Fundraising Standards Grievance Form