Sometimes children need to be removed from their home because of abuse, neglect or dependency. Children who cannot stay with their parents may stay with relatives. If no other family member can care for them, the children may then stay with a foster family.

     Foster parents care for the child until the family resolves its problems. Foster families are committed to caring for a child until the child can go back home. The length of placement varies with each child’s circumstances.

Can Foster Families Adopt Their Foster Child?

     If the court should decide that all legal ties to the child’s family must be cut off,  the foster family can be considered to adopt their foster child. Reducing the number of moves a child makes is good for the child - and for the family.

     When reuniting the child with his/her parents is not possible, the court will grant permanent custody of the child to Children Services. That means all legal ties to the biological family are severed.

     Once the agency receives permanent custody, a child can, through additional court action, be adopted. This means the child legally becomes a part of the new family. Adoption is forever.

Children currently needing families:

Children of mixed heritage.

Teenagers...click here for more information.

Caucasian children 6 years of age or older.

Children with severe emotional or learning problems.

Children who are part of a sibling group.

Children whose biological background hold a future risk.

Please click here for an article on debunking foster care myths.

What you must have is desire & ability to love, nurture & care for a child who needs you.