A Foster Parent...

• Must be at least 21 years of age. 
• Must be able to support existing family with stable income.
• Can be single, married, or have a partner.
• Can own or rent a home (including houses, apartments, condos, etc.).
• Can work inside or outside the home.

A Foster Family Will

• Support efforts made to reunify youth with their family
• Work closely with the youth’s family
• Transport youth to visitation with their family (often more than 1 time per week)

An Adoptive Family Will

• Support ongoing connections with youth’s family or significant others
• Commit to their adopted youth forever

All Families Will

• Provide a safe, stable, caring home free from abuse and neglect
• Understand that youth have experienced trauma, grief, and loss
• Learn special skills and have a flexible parenting style to meet the youth’s specific needs
• Utilize non-physical forms of discipline
• Support ongoing connection with youth's family or significant others 
• Work as a team with professionals and the child's family 
• Meet the child's day-to-day and special needs 
• Nurture and guide the child's development