Start with a consultation to learn more about foster care.
Foster Care North Carolina
Data from the AFCARS (Adoption & Foster Care Analysis Reporting System), as reported by the Anne E. Casey Foundation, indicates that in 2023, there were 11,823 children in foster care in NC and over 360,000 children in foster care in the USA. In 2023, NC ranked 9th in the nation for the number of children in foster care.
In 2023 alone, 4,407 children entered foster care in NC, needing some form of out-of-home placement. There is a huge need for quality, licensed foster homes in NC.
Be The Difference!
Ready to take the first step? Start your application today!
What to Expect:
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- Foster families provide 24/7 care to foster children and youth with family reunification goals.
- On average it takes 6-8 months to become licensed
- Foster families will partner with CAS, DSS, & the child(ren)’s family system for best possible futures.
- Dedicated and individualized support throughout your journey
- Referrals for children & youth aged 0-18 in all 100 counties
- Joy!
- Monthly financial assistance
How to Get Started:
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- Required application Register Here
- A CAS professional will contact you to plan your next steps once the application is received
- Complete training and licensure.
- 2 options for training! See more below.
- Complete your Mutual Home Assessment with the CAS team.
- Once training and mutual home assessment are completed, your application is submitted to NCDHHS for approval.
- Once approved, you are eligible for placement of children!
Training Options:
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- NTDC: An 11-week trauma informed pre-service training that provides prospective foster families with information on grief, loss, challenging behaviors, shared parenting, and more. CAS offers 3 training cohorts per year; Winter Spring, and Fall. There is no charge for this training. Every foster parent seeking to become licensed must attend.
- Deciding Together: The same information and curriculum contained in NTDC but provided in a one-on-one setting. Admission to this training is offered to families with unconventional employment schedules on a rolling basis! There is a $100 fee for this training option to cover the cost of the required books.
Eligibility:
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- Must be 21 years old or older with a safe home and the ability to pass a criminal background check. We welcome married couples, single parents, and couples in committed partnerships.
- We welcome families from all races, ethnicities, & cultural backgrounds!
- You do not have to own your own home – renting is acceptable.
- Must be able to prove financial stability.