Becoming a Foster Parent in NC

CHS provides a foster care program for children who need placement outside of their family. The children we serve require foster family placement. Children in foster care need compassionate adults and a loving home environment.

Foster Care Application

How It Works

Although not without its challenges, fostering a child can be one of the most rewarding decisions you ever make. Here’s what you need to know to make a difference in the life of a child

Download Brochure

The Requirements

The most important requirement? Creating space in your heart for a child. You can be married or single, younger or older, homeowner or renter … what matters is the love you give. That said, there are a few legal requirements you must meet, including:

  • No more than 5 children at home under the age of 18
  • Sufficient income to meet the needs of your current family
  • Must provide children with their own bed, and adequate drawer and closet space for their personal belongings
  • Legal resident of U.S. and North Carolina, for at least 6 months at time of application
  • Access to reliable transportation
  • Able to complete TIPS-MAPP, Deciding Together, or Caring For Our Own training for relatives 
  • No felony convictions involving child abuse, spouse abuse, crimes involving violence
  • No substantiated Child Protective Service Investigations
  • No DWI within the last 5 years
  • Willing to submit to a thorough assessment of your family and home

The Training

You are also required to complete training prior to fostering a child. These trainings will help you best provide for the emotional and behavioral needs of a child in foster care. Once a child has been placed with you, you’ll be asked to complete annual training in order to maintain your foster care license.

The Support

When you open your heart and your home to becoming a Foster Parent in NC, you can make a profound impact on a child and their family. We know this process isn’t always easy … that’s why we’ll be with you every step of the way. We provide a wide range of support services and evidence-based programs so that you can feel confident in your decision and your parenting skills.

Learn more our foster support services

“I love having an advocate to help support me when we need assistance … and to feel heard and valued. It was never about getting a kid for our family; it was about being a family for a child.”

-CHS Foster Family

Get Involved

Our community is vital to our success. Find out how your time, talent and resources can help more children find and experience loving families.

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It takes a village to raise a child. And it takes a community to affect lasting change. Invest in the lives of children and make a difference for families everywhere.