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DCS > Foster Parenting Foster Parenting

Click here to go to the Licensed Foster Parent Information Page

Foster Care Overview: 

When children enter foster care the Department of Child Services considers the needs of children and their families and places children within their own cultural groups, neighborhoods and communities whenever possible. A family-focused, community-based approach to foster care helps children develop into healthy adults.  Needs are identified through Case Planning, and/or Child and Family Team Meetings (CFTM).  The foster family plays an important role assisting the Family Case Manager and the birth family in identifying and meeting the needs of children and birth families.  The majority of children placed in foster care are reunified with their parents. Some children cannot be reunified and need another permanency plan established.  Permanency may occur when children are placed with members of their extended family in guardianship or adoption.  Permanency may also occur when children become members of new families through adoption.   

Learn More About Foster Care:

•  What is foster care?
•  How are children placed?
•  What types of placements are available?
•  How long are children in foster care?
•  Who is a resource parent?
•  Who is a foster child?
•  What types of licensed resource homes are available? 
•  How is foster care funded?
•  Why become a resource parent?
•  How do I become a resource parent?
•  Contact us
• What free benefits are available to foster parents and children?