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.
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Child Welfare Information Gateway (CWIG)
Offers a comprehensive overview of the foster care system, state requirements, and the licensing process.
AdoptUSKids – Foster Care Info
National resource with state-by-state guides, FAQs, and personal stories.
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.
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National Resources
AdoptUSKids – Helps you connect with foster agencies and view waiting children
https://www.adoptuskids.orgThe Villages of Indiana – One of the largest child and family services nonprofits with a strong track record
https://www.villageskids.orgBethany 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
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Facebook Groups
Foster the Family Foster Parent Support Page – Real-time advice and support
https://www.facebook.com/groups/fosterthefamilyfosterparentsupportgroup/Foster Parent Support Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/458703344655200/Single Foster Mamas
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1129705820417963/Single Foster and Foster/Adopt Parents
https://www.facebook.com/groups/213709662136027/
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.
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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
The Forgotten Initiative Podcast
https://theforgotteninitiative.org/the-forgotten-podcast/Creating a Family
https://creatingafamily.org/category/radio-show/Foster Tales
Apple Podcasts LinkFostering Voices
https://fosteringvoices.libsyn.com/