FOSTER PARENTING

"Foster parenting taught me that sometimes love means opening your heart to a child who may not stay forever, but who needs your whole heart in this moment. It's a brave and beautiful way to mother."

- Cheri Bergeron

For women considering providing temporary or potentially permanent homes for children in the foster care system, these resources offer guidance, support, and practical information to help navigate this unique path to motherhood.

Child Welfare Information Gateway (CWIG)

Offers a comprehensive overview of the foster care system, state requirements, and the licensing process with detailed guides for prospective foster parents.

Website: https://www.childwelfare.gov

AdoptUSKids – Foster Care Info

National resource with state-by-state guides, FAQs, and personal stories from foster families. Provides clear pathways to becoming a foster parent.

Website: 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 through your state's website.

AdoptUSKids (National Resource)

Helps you connect with foster adoption agencies and view waiting children.

Website: https://www.adoptuskids.org

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 available in many states.

Website: https://www.bethany.org

Types of Foster Agencies

  • 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 in your area via AdoptUSKids: State Information Directory

Facebook Groups

  • 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 foster parents.

Website: https://www.theforgotteninitiative.org

FosterStrong

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

Website: https://www.fosterstrong.org

Books

  • "The Connected Child" by Karyn Purvis - Must-read for trauma-informed parenting.
  • "To the End of June: The Intimate Life of American Foster Care" by Cris Beam - In-depth look at the U.S. foster system.
  • "The Foster Parenting Manual" by John DeGarmo - A practical guide to creating a loving, safe, and stable home.
  • "Another Place at the Table" by Kathy Harrison - A memoir by a longtime foster mother—honest and compelling.

Podcasts

  • The Forgotten Initiative Podcast
  • Creating a Family
  • Foster Tales
  • Fostering Voices

Foster Parent College

Online training for foster, adoptive, and kinship parents on topics like trauma, behavioral challenges, and attachment.

Website: https://www.fosterparentcollege.com

National Child Traumatic Stress Network

Resources specifically for understanding and supporting children who have experienced trauma.

Website: https://www.nctsn.org

TBRI (Trust-Based Relational Intervention)

Evidence-based approach for parenting children from "hard places" focused on connection, empowerment, and correction.

Website: https://child.tcu.edu/about-us/tbri