Become a Foster Parent
A Place to Grow: Compassionate Foster Care & Licensing
When a child enters the foster care system, they need more than just a place to stay. They need a stable, nurturing environment where they feel they belong. At Orchards, we believe that every family branch matters. Our licensing team is here to guide you through the process of opening your home and heart to a child in transition.
Is Foster Care Right for You?
Foster care is the temporary placement of a child with the primary goal of reunification with their biological family. It is a commitment to provide safety and love while a child’s family works toward staying together.
Qualifications to Become a Foster Parent:
- Age: You must be 18 years of age or older.
- Stability: You must have sufficient income and stable housing with appropriate space for a child.
- Character: You must pass background clearances, including fingerprinting and criminal history checks. References are requested, and a full social history is required for all household members.
- Readiness: You must be willing to complete free orientation and trauma-informed training sessions.
- Home Study: Participate in a home study that assesses your ability to care for different age groups and various types of needs that a child may have. During the home study, assessments of each household member’s ability to meet the needs of a child in foster care are made.
- Home Visits: The licensing process requires multiple home visits from your licensing worker.
Nurturing the Process: Your Licensing Guide
We aim to make the licensing process as clear as possible. It typically takes about six months to complete but can vary based upon household needs and makeup.
- Inquiry & Orientation: Join a free session to learn the basics.
- Training: Complete required sessions to understand the unique needs of children who have experienced trauma.
- Home Assessment: We visit your home to ensure safety, assess your needs and strengths and ability to care for children of different ages and level of care required.
- Licensing: Once approved, you are ready to welcome a child into your home.
- Ongoing: A licensing worker will continue working with you throughout your time as a foster parent. Other workers will also complete home visits if/when a child is placed in your home.
Where the Need is Greatest
While we serve children of all ages (0-17), we are actively seeking families who are willing to:
- Keep Siblings Together: Ensuring brothers and sisters stay under one roof.
- Support Teenagers: Providing guidance to youth as they navigate middle school, high school, and beyond.
- Caring for Children with Specialized Needs: Children who have experienced trauma are more likely to have a higher level of medical, mental health, and behavioral needs. Caring for children with higher needs may require more specialized training.
Ready to Learn More?
Our Training Department is ready to answer your questions.
Call: 248-258-1278 or 248-530-5370