Find the Right Foster Care Agency for Your Family in Jefferson County, KY

Start Your Foster Care Journey with Confidence

Navigating the Kentucky foster care system can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. That’s why the foster care agencies of Jefferson County, including both private agencies and those contracted with the Department for Community Based Services, have come together to create this central website. Here, prospective foster parents can easily explore each agency serving the area, learn what makes them unique, visit their individual websites, and determine which one best aligns with their values and goals.

Whether you're just beginning to consider fostering or ready to take the next step, we’re here to make the process easier and more accessible.

Agencies are listed alphabetically

Featured
BenchmarkFamilyServices2.png

Our goal is to provide stable, out-of-home placements for children in need, working with child welfare agencies to provide quality care to youth in the least restrictive setting possible. The results we see in the youth who pass through our care encourage us to carry on in our mission to give even the most troubled kids a second chance.

Unique Features:

  • Therapeutic Foster Care 

  • CARF-accredited

  • Responds on a moment’s notice

  • Therapy and Psychiatric services

Contact Information:
Keshaye Patton
502-267-0102

Website

Contracts with the State

HomeoftheInnocents2.png

We put relationships first—because that’s what matters most. At the Home, we provide thorough, proven training to help families succeed and navigate the foster care system with confidence. You won’t be alone—we’re with you every step of the way, making sure you’re ready to support the children who enter your home.

Unique Features: 

  • Therapeutic Foster Care 

  • Children of all ages up to 21 

  • Medically Complex children 

  • Emergency Teen Placement 

  • Project Keepsafe (PKS)

Contact Information:
Kim Jordan
502-596-1313

Website

Contracts with the State

OperationOpenArms2.png

Our mission is to improve the lives of children with incarcerated parents and vulnerable children by providing a loving, nurturing, and stable home environment, while concurrently coordinating essential services for parents.

Unique Features:

  • Voluntary placements

  • Servces mothers who are incarcertaed, have a history of incarceration or are at risk of incarceration

  • Provides recovery support – 1 to 30-day placements

  • Primarily under school-aged children

Contact Information:
Julie Barkley
administrator@openarms.org
502-493-5007

Website

Inquiry Form

Voluntary Placements

SAFY2.png

SAFY provides a safe and stable living environment as we work to build the tools to support permanency through reunification whenever possible.

Unique Features:

  • Therapeutic Foster Care

  • Predominately serves ages 10-18

  • Therapy Services

  • LGBTQIA+ inclusive 

Contact Information:
Courtney Lucas
502-682-4801
lucasc@safy.org

Website

Inquiry Form

Contracts with the State

StJosephChildrensHome2.png

Giving Children a Home – We provide inclusive and compassionate care to ensure a safe home and bright future for every child in our diverse community.

Unique Features:

  • Therapeutic Foster Care & Medically Fragile

  • Children of all ages up to the age of 21 and parenting teens

  • Foster Homes & Residential (48-bed facility)

  • Behavioral Health Services Program, including medication management

Contact Information:
Lisa Barber Atwell
Cell: 502-641-1406
Office: 502-893-0241
Lisab@sjkids.org

Website

Inquiry Form

Contracts with the State

SunriseChildrensServices2.png

Sunrise strives to provide care and hope to hurting families and children through Christ-Centered Ministries

Unique Features:

  • Therapeutic Foster Care & Medically Fragile

  • Children of all ages & Independent Living for 18–21

  • An array of services that allows a child to move to the appropriate service within the same organization

  • Male substance abuse program, psychiatric residential treatment facility, and outpatient community mental health

Contact Information:
Valerie Crume
502-538-1000

Website

Inquiry Form

Contracts with the State

Helpful Resources for Kentucky Foster Families

Being a foster parent comes with unique challenges and rewards. We’ve gathered trusted resources and helpful links to support you every step of the way. From training opportunities and support groups to financial assistance and community programs, you’ll find tools to help you provide the best care possible for the children in your home.

Free coat, shirt, and hat provided by Hope’s Closet for Kentucky foster and adoptive parents.

Need Clothing or Essentials for Your Foster Child?

Hope’s Closet, located in Louisville, KY, provides these items at no cost thanks to generous community donations and dedicated volunteers. Visit their website to learn more and request what you need.

Are you looking to connect with someone to learn more about foster care?

We’re here to help. To get started, please narrow your search by selecting the agencies that seem to best fit your family’s needs. Each agency provides a foster parent inquiry form — simply complete the form for any agency you’d like more information from.

Our goal is to connect you with the agency that aligns with your family and to work together to find the best fit. Thank you for your interest in opening your home to children in need.

Every Family Deserves Support on Their Journey

We’re here to make fostering easier by connecting you with the right resources, guidance, and community every step of the way.