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Foster Care

Raise Hope & Foster Dreams

In Michigan, there are approximately 10,000 children in foster care and nearly 200 children who still need an adoptive family. We need your help to provide a safe, nurturing home for these children until they can be returned to their families. When children cannot be returned to their homes, foster parents are often asked to provide permanent homes.

Become a foster parent.  Call 855-MICHKIDS to learn more.

5 Steps to Become a Foster Parent

    • After orientation, the agency you selected will provide you with a licensing application packet. In general, the application steps are:

      • Schedule fingerprinting with your licensing agency.
      • Complete the foster home licensing application.
      • Submit your application and fingerprinting clearance form to your licensing worker.
      • Complete medical records for the entire family.
      • Complete any other requested paperwork with your licensing worker.

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    This training offers valuable information to make sure you are ready to become a foster parent. The entire training includes 20-25 hours of content, which will satisfy the pre-licensure training requirement.

    The acronym GROW stands for:

    1. Grow culturally responsive relationships.
    2. Recognize children's developmental needs and the impact of trauma.
    3. Obtain information and resources.
    4. Work in partnership with families to support healthy relationships.
    • Before welcoming a foster child into your home, you must pass an on-site home evaluation performed by the licensing agent.

      The agency you selected will meet with your family several times for on-site home visits and interviews. After you attend orientation and submit your application, your agency will schedule your first home visit.

If you would like to learn more at your own pace and connect with an agency, visit the Michigan Foster Care Portal (MFCP)

What it Takes to be a Foster Parent

Foster children need caring individuals who can provide a safe and nurturing home. The primary goal during foster care is to reunite the child with his or her parents. This can take some time - we need caring adults who are willing to provide stability and safety for children in their care.

Foster parents should be committed individuals who are:

  • Willing to work with the child's birth parents.
  • Supportive of efforts to return the child home.
  • Able to work with children who have emotional and behavioral needs.
  • Able to encourage teens toward independent living.
  • Willing to provide a permanent home if necessary.

Understanding the Foster Care Program

Foster Care identifies and places children in safe homes when they cannot remain with their families because of safety concerns. Foster families provide these children with the consistency and support they need to grow.

Our main goal is to return children back to their homes when it is safe. If a return home is not possible, adoptive families are needed.

Check out our Foster Care Frequently Asked Questions for more details.

Check out the Michigan Adoption Resource Exchange for details on foster children available for adoption.

Full Video

MDHHS CSA Director Starling message about the importance of Foster Parents

Part 1

Part 2

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Learn more about volunteer opportunities and becoming a volunteer.
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Whether you've decided to become foster parents or just want to learn more about the process, these materials offer additional information to make the journey as smooth as possible.
Raise Awareness about Becoming a Foster Parent - Download & Share
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Michigan Education Trust scholarships benefit young adults who have experienced foster care.

Make College Dreams Come True - Fostering Futures Scholarship