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Many Ways to Foster

There’s more than one way to care. Whether you’re ready to become a foster parent or just exploring, you belong here.
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Find the right fit for your life and your heart.

Fostering is one of the highest forms of service possible: caring for a child who is temporarily removed from their home of origin. There are many ways to serve:

Traditional fostering is the most common path. To foster, you must hold a license with the state. We are always in need of culturally-competent individuals to meet the needs of our children. The Coalition is here to guide and support you throughout the entire licensing process and provide ongoing support.

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Emergency fostering is the most crucial part of the foster care system – caring for children from the point they are removed from their home of origin until a relative is identified to care for the youth. Emergency caregiving is the same licensing process as Traditional fostering, but are on call to receive children in their homes at a moment’s notice. Our staff will work with you side-by-side.

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Medical fostering is for those with applicable skills, such as home health aides, paramedics, nurses, physicians, etc. Medical caregivers undergo the same licensing process as Traditional fostering, but utilize their expertise to serve children with unique medical needs. We will support you every step of the way.

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Elevated needs and treatment fostering is for the most highly-skilled and trained foster parents, serving those needs of children with complex trauma. These caregivers go through the same licensing process as Traditional fostering, but received additional training from the Coalition regarding attachment and trauma. We have staff who specialize in supporting these caregivers.

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Black/African American children are overrepresented in our local child welfare system, however Black/African American individuals have often been discouraged from fostering. RESPOND reduces barriers by providing assistance during the licensing process, followed by two years of ongoing support.

RESPOND

Respite care is for individuals who are approved to give foster parents a short-term break. It’s a great way to gain experience and build skills. Respite may be tailored to fit your schedule, availability, and child preferences regarding age range and child specific needs. You’ll train with the Coalition before beginning your service. After that, we’ll connect you with foster parents so you can begin your service.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • At least 21 years of age (single or married)
  • Able to pass a background screening
  • Participate in home visit to assess safety and adherence to requirements
Get Started

We offer many ways to volunteer. Our most involved volunteers are the Foster Friends. This group helps the Coalition staff host fun events and activities for children impacted by foster care.

Volunteer

No matter which path you choose…

Our caregiver families come from a rich variety of backgrounds, and are united in their belief that every child deserves a place to call home. The Coalition is here to support you throughout every step of your journey, including licensure.

Become a Foster Parent Frequently Asked Questions
  • Any time a potential foster parent reaches out to me, I always tell them to start at the Coalition. They have covered our family with love and support since the beginning. In our seven years as foster parents, the Coalition has been a huge reason for our longevity. Their training is current and relevant, trauma and culture focused, plus their staff are passionate and energetic about their mission.
    – Licensed foster parent

For every child…A Place to Call Home.

Fostering is one of the highest forms of service possible: caring for a child who is temporarily removed from their home of origin. You can make the dream of a permanent, stable home—and, in some cases, hope for a forever family—become the reality for a child in need. They don’t need perfect: they need you.

Meet Our Kids