FOSTER PARENTING

"Foster parenting isn't about perfection—it's about opening your heart and home to a child who needs both. The journey may be complex, but showing up with love and consistency creates ripples of healing that extend far beyond your time together."

- Cheri Bergeron

For women considering becoming foster parents, these resources provide guidance on understanding the system, navigating the licensing process, and connecting with supportive communities. While fostering comes with unique challenges, it also offers profound opportunities to make a difference in a child's life.

Child Welfare Information Gateway (CWIG)

Offers a comprehensive overview of the foster care system, state requirements, and the licensing process.

https://www.childwelfare.gov

AdoptUSKids – Foster Care Info

National resource with state-by-state guides, FAQs, and personal stories.

https://www.adoptuskids.org

Your State's Department of Family & Protective Services

Each state runs its own foster system. You'll find the exact licensing requirements, trainings, and contacts for local agencies.

National Resources

  • AdoptUSKids – Helps you connect with foster agencies and view waiting children
    https://www.adoptuskids.org
  • The Villages of Indiana – One of the largest child and family services nonprofits with a strong track record
    https://www.villageskids.org
  • Bethany Christian Services – National agency offering foster care programs (faith-based, but available in many states)
    https://www.bethany.org

Agency Types

  • Public agencies are run by the state. These tend to have fewer resources, but direct placements.
  • Private agencies (nonprofit or faith-based) often provide more hands-on support, training, and community.

Find a Foster Care Agency

Locate agencies in your state through AdoptUSKids' directory.

https://www.adoptuskids.org/for-families/how-to-foster-and-adopt/state-information

Facebook Groups

The Forgotten Initiative

Faith-based foster care support, encouragement, and practical tools.

https://www.theforgotteninitiative.org

FosterStrong

A youth-led nonprofit run by people who've been in foster care—great for understanding foster youth perspectives.

https://www.fosterstrong.org

Books

  • "The Connected Child" by Karyn Purvis
    Must-read for trauma-informed parenting.
    Amazon Link
  • "To the End of June: The Intimate Life of American Foster Care" by Cris Beam
    Amazon Link
  • "The Foster Parenting Manual: A Practical Guide to Creating a Loving, Safe and Stable Home" by John DeGarmo
    Amazon Link
  • "Another Place at the Table" by Kathy Harrison
    A memoir by a longtime foster mother—honest and compelling.
    Amazon Link

Podcasts