Learn How You Can Make A Difference

Your home, love, and support can help change the life of a child in foster care. 

Ready to become a foster parent?

For over 40 years, Mentor Foster Care has been helping children in foster care find loving homes.

We believe that children belong in families, where they can get the love and support they need to thrive. Our goal is to provide youth at risk with nurturing supports in a family setting where they can heal and move forward. To do that, we need caring foster parents to open their hearts and homes to these deserving kids.

We’re looking for caring people just like you who want to give children in foster care a brighter future. Whether a child is with you for a few days or a few years, the difference you make lasts a lifetime.

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Support From Mentor Foster Care 

  • Regular visits to your home
  • 24-hour emergency on-call services for when you need us most
  • Foster parent support groups
  • Ongoing education and skill development opportunities
  • Education in Family Vistas®, our clinical foster care model
  • Timely stipends via direct deposit
  • Comprehensive matching process that is children and family-centered
  • Frequent foster parent recognition, appreciation and advocacy
  • Dedicated support staff to assist you in maintaining your foster parent certification

Start your foster parent journey 

Connect with a member of our team to learn more about becoming a foster parent and making a difference in a child's life.

Attend an upcoming Webinar

Learn more about fostering from people who have the same questions. 

Register Here

Words from our foster parents

“Believe us when we say, these children are a light to the world and will give you more than you could ever give them.”

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FOSTER PARENTS The Lancasters

"I embarked on this journey to give back to the community and support the children who represent our future. One of the most rewarding aspects of fostering has been witnessing the achievements of the children I’ve cared for."

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FOSTER PARENT Dianne Vines

"The experience was great! I wouldn't add or change a thing. The staff are great and just a phone call away from assisting you."

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FOSTER PARENT Tracy Latimore

Foster Parent FAQ's

Do I need experience with children to become a foster parent?

Foster parents aren’t required to have biological children or prior experience as a foster parent. If you have a passion for helping children, we’ll provide the expertise and offer ongoing education to help support your success as a foster parent.

What are the requirements to become a foster parent?

The requirements to become a foster parent vary by state, but generally they include:

  • Income stability – You’ll need to have some form of stable income that will help you support and care for a child in care.
  • A minimum age requirement – This may be at least 21 years or up to 25 years of age depending on your state.
  • Citizenship – Many states require a person that is interested in becoming a foster parent in the US to be a citizen of the United States.
  • Background checks – Individuals who want to become a foster parent are required by many states to undergo a background check.
  • Housing & bedroom requirements – Many states require a minimum number of bedrooms per person in the household.
You can learn more about state-specific requirements when you fill out the form to become a foster parent and begin the process in your state.

Do I have to own my home to become a foster parent?

The answer varies by state, but in general you do not need to own your home to become a foster parent. As long as you have adequate room to comfortably foster a child, you are not restricted from becoming a foster parent just because you rent or lease your residence.

Do I need to be married to foster a child?

You do not need to be married to foster a child! A single woman or man can foster a child too. In some states, you must be married for a year before becoming a foster parent, and everyone living in your household will need to undergo a background check.

How long does it take to become a foster parent?

The length of time it takes to become a foster parent is different for everyone! This is because the process of becoming a foster parent also includes preservice sessions, home studies, and the placement and matching process that connects the right home to a child in care.
In general, this process can take anywhere from 6 to 18 months. With Mentor Foster Care, this process generally takes 3 to 8 months from application to license, depending on your state.

What forms of support will I receive from Mentor Foster Care?

  • Skill development and education – We’ll offer continued education sessions to strengthen the skills you need to be a great foster parent.
  • Home visits – A Mentor Foster Care team member will visit your home regularly to ensure the child’s care plan is still meeting their needs.
  • Mentor connections – We’ll connect you with other Mentor foster families in your area. That way, you can learn and grow together.
  • Support from Mentor Foster Care experts – You’ll have access to experienced coordinators, nurses, and therapists to answer your questions about being a Mentor foster parent.