Foster Parenting
Considering foster parenting on your path to motherhood? This curated resource list supports women exploring providing temporary or potentially permanent homes for children in the foster care system. While we've researched these resources carefully, this is not an explicit endorsement of any individual, organization, or their content.
Government Resources
Child Welfare Information Gateway (CWIG)
Offers a comprehensive overview of the foster care system, state requirements, and the licensing process. An essential starting point for understanding how fostering works.
Website: https://www.childwelfare.gov
AdoptUSKids – Foster Care Information
National resource with state-by-state guides, FAQs, and personal stories from foster parents. Helps connect you with local agencies and provides insight into the foster journey.
Website: https://www.adoptuskids.org
Your State's Department of Family & Protective Services
Each state runs its own foster system with specific licensing requirements, trainings, and contacts for local agencies. This is where you'll need to start your formal application process.
Find your state agency through the Child Welfare Information Gateway directory.
Support Communities
Facebook Groups
These online communities provide real-time advice, shared experiences, and emotional support from others on the foster parenting journey.
- Foster the Family Foster Parent Support Page
- Foster Parent Support Group
- Single Foster Mamas
- Single Foster and Foster/Adopt Parents
The Forgotten Initiative
Faith-based foster care support, encouragement, and practical tools for navigating the foster care system and supporting children who have experienced trauma.
FosterStrong
A youth-led nonprofit run by people who've been in foster care—provides invaluable perspective for understanding foster youth experiences and needs.
Website: https://www.fosterstrong.org
Essential Reading
"The Connected Child" by Karyn Purvis
Must-read for trauma-informed parenting. Provides practical tools for connecting with children who have experienced early adversity and building trust-based relationships.
"To the End of June: The Intimate Life of American Foster Care" by Cris Beam
An in-depth look at the U.S. foster system through the stories of families and children, offering both insight and honest reflection on the challenges and rewards.
"The Foster Parenting Manual" by John DeGarmo
A practical guide to creating a loving, safe and stable home for foster children, with guidance on navigating the system, managing behaviors, and working with biological families.
"Another Place at the Table" by Kathy Harrison
A memoir by a longtime foster mother that honestly portrays the day-to-day realities, challenges, and profound moments of connection that come with fostering.
Foster Agencies
Types of Agencies
Understanding the difference between agency types can help you find the right fit for your fostering journey:
- Public agencies are run by the state. These tend to have fewer resources, but provide direct placements with children in the system.
- Private agencies (nonprofit or faith-based) often provide more hands-on support, training, and community, though they work in partnership with public agencies.
AdoptUSKids Agency Finder
Helps you connect with foster agencies in your area and view profiles of waiting children who need stable homes.
Website: https://www.adoptuskids.org/for-families/how-to-foster-and-adopt/state-information
The Villages of Indiana
One of the largest child and family services nonprofits with a strong track record in foster-to-adopt placements.
Website: https://www.villageskids.org
Bethany Christian Services
National agency offering foster care and foster-to-adopt programs with locations in many states.
Website: https://www.bethany.org
Training Resources
Podcasts
- The Forgotten Initiative Podcast – Stories and practical advice from foster parents, adoptive parents, and professionals in the field
- Creating a Family – Comprehensive podcast covering foster care, adoption, and related topics
- Foster Tales – Real stories from foster parents sharing their experiences
- Fostering Voices – Insights from foster parents, former foster youth, and experts
Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI)
A therapeutic model developed by Dr. Karyn Purvis that has become essential training for foster parents working with children who have experienced trauma.
Website: https://child.tcu.edu/about-us/tbri/
Questions to Consider
As you explore foster parenting, consider:
- What age range, needs level, and number of children do you feel equipped to support?
- How will you navigate the temporary nature of many foster placements and potential reunification with birth families?
- What support systems do you have in place or need to develop for this journey?
- How will you prepare yourself to parent children who have experienced trauma?
- Are you interested in foster-to-adopt, or primarily in providing temporary care?
Foster parenting offers a unique opportunity to make a profound difference in a child's life during a period of transition and uncertainty. While the journey comes with challenges, the resources above can help you build the knowledge, skills, and support network needed to provide a safe, nurturing home. Remember that foster parents aren't expected to be perfect—they're simply willing to open their hearts and homes to children who need care, stability, and compassion during a difficult time.
"Through fostering, I learned that motherhood isn't always permanent, but it can be profound. Sometimes the children who stay the shortest time leave the deepest imprints on your heart."
- Cheri Bergeron, Mission: Motherhood