Our Foster & Adoption Ministry is a great place to take your first steps towards becoming a licensed foster parent, because we provide current, past, and prospective foster parents a place to have community and support one another on their journey.

There are many ways to get involved and make a difference in foster care:

Traditional Foster Care:

Traditional foster care involves providing temporary care for children who are unable to live with their biological families due to various reasons such as abuse, neglect, or family crisis. Foster parents in traditional foster care typically provide a stable and nurturing home environment while working with social workers and birth families towards the goal of reunification or an alternative permanent placement.

Professional Foster Care:

Professional foster care, also known as therapeutic foster care, is designed to meet the needs of children with significant emotional, behavioral, or medical challenges. Foster parents in professional foster care receive specialized training and support to care for children with complex needs. This type of foster care often involves working closely with mental health professionals and other support services to provide comprehensive care for the child.

Restoration Foster Care:

Restoration foster care focuses on providing temporary care for children who are in the process of being reunified with their biological families. Foster parents in restoration foster care play a vital role in supporting the reunification process by providing a safe and nurturing environment for the child while parents work towards meeting the requirements for reunification set by child welfare authorities.

Special Needs Foster Care:

Special needs foster care involves providing care for children with specific medical, developmental, or behavioral needs that require additional support and attention. This could include children with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or behavioral challenges. Foster parents in special needs foster care receive specialized training and support to meet the unique needs of the children in their care.

Adoption:

Adoption through foster care occurs when a child in foster care becomes legally available for adoption, either because reunification with the birth family is not possible or it has been determined to be in the child's best interest to be adopted by their foster family or another adoptive family. Foster parents who choose to adopt a child from foster care undergo a formal adoption process to legally establish the parent-child relationship.

Respite Care:

Respite care provides short-term temporary care for children in foster care to give their primary foster parents a break or to provide additional support during times of crisis or emergency. Respite care can range from a few hours to several days and helps ensure that foster parents have the support they need to continue providing quality care to the children in their home.

In the past, we have hosted licensing weekends with Arrow Child & Family Services. Their website has more information about requirements and the process of becoming licensed: Arrow Child & Family Ministries

We believe the choice of foster agency is a personal decision, and want to provide as much information and first-hand experience as possible to prospective foster parents so they can make an informed decision. The agency you choose is vital, because you will rely on them for licensing, financial support, education, and other resources. We encourage you to choose an agency that aligns with your values.

We see families from many agencies take part in our various events and outreach efforts. A visit to our Foster & Adoption Support Group is our recommended first step. Prospective parents can get more information about various agencies from the current foster parents in our group.

We invite you to our Foster & Adoption Ministry Support Group as your next step towards becoming licensed as a foster parent. Led by Tia, one of our dedicated ministry leads and an adoptive parent herself, this group is a nurturing community where you'll find current, past, and prospective parents coming together to support one another on their foster care journey.

Tia's passion for caring for children in foster care shines through her leadership, and she's eager to welcome you into this supportive environment.

Our group meets every third Tuesday of the month, providing a consistent opportunity for connection and encouragement. Additionally, we're pleased to offer childcare during our meetings, ensuring that you can fully engage in the discussions and activities.

We believe that joining our support group will not only provide you with valuable insights and resources but also offer you a strong network of individuals who share your commitment to making a difference in the lives of children in foster care. We look forward to seeing you at our next meeting!