Real Deal on Foster Care
There are nearly a half-million children in foster care in the United States, and only about 150,000 families to care for them. More than 120,000 children are waiting for adoptive parents. If you live in Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, or Vermont, consider becoming a family for a youth in your community. Here are some facts about foster youth and the people who parent them:
They need you. Kids in your community – right now – need foster and adoptive families.
You don’t have to be married, rich, or a homeowner. Foster and adoptive parents need to have stable, supportive relationships and adequate finances and living space, but there are no specific requirements about marital status, family structure, or home ownership.
All kinds of people are foster and adoptive parents. Many foster and adoptive parents have not raised children; others find that foster children enrich and expand their family life. The major requirement is a willingness to commit to a child or youth in foster care. Casey Family Services values diversity in all areas including gender, ethnicity, religion, and sexual orientation. We also welcome applications from families whose first language is not English.
You are not alone. Casey Family Services actively supports all our foster and adoptive parents. A team of social workers and other professionals will work with you every step of the way. Foster and adoptive parents are an important voice for the child and a key member of the child’s support team.
You will be a resource to a youth or child. Casey Family Services works closely with foster and pre-adoptive parents to help establish goals for the child in your care. You may be asked to help a child reunify with a birth parent or other family members. You may decide to adopt. You may help a child find and transition to another lifetime family.
You will receive financial help. A monthly stipend will help cover costs related to caring for your foster child. Medicaid and/or the State Child Health Insurance Program will cover medical expenditures. Casey Family Services pays for certain other expenses. Additional supports may be available if you choose to adopt your foster child or another child from foster care.
You can be the change that matters. The stability, love, and support you provide is often what children need to rebuild their lives.
For more information about how you can be the “real deal” for a child in foster care or in need of an adoptive family, contact your local Casey Family Services office at 888.799.KIDS (5437) and connect with a Casey parent or a member of our staff.
Learn More
- Download the Fostering and Adopting with Casey Family Services brochure (PDF).
- Download the Fostering and Adopting with Casey Family Services brochure in Spanish (PDF).
- Request information on fostering and adopting with Casey Family Services