Benchmark Family Services

Home of the Innocents

Omni - Family of Services

Operation Open Arms

SAFY

St. Joseph Children's Home

Sunrise Children's Services

Benchmark Family Services Home of the Innocents Omni - Family of Services Operation Open Arms SAFY St. Joseph Children's Home Sunrise Children's Services

Our Goal

Our goal is to make the process less confusing and more accessible. Whether you choose to work with a public agency or a private foster care agency, children in Kentucky need caring adults willing to open their hearts and homes.

By providing information about the different agencies and resources available, we hope to help you navigate the system with confidence and find the path that is right for you.

Every foster parent begins with a single step—and every child deserves a family willing to take it.

Future plans of expanding in 5 years.

Partnering Agencies

  • Benchmark Family Services

  • Home of the Innocents

  • Omni - Family of Services

  • Operation Open Arms

  • SAFY

  • St. Joseph Children's Home

  • Sunrise Children's Services

Agency List

Understanding the Foster Care System

The Kentucky Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) is responsible for ensuring the safety and well-being of children who enter foster care. However, the number of children needing foster homes is far greater than what the state could manage alone.

To meet this need, Kentucky contracts with licensed private foster care agencies throughout the state. These agencies work alongside DCBS to recruit, train, certify, and support foster families. Together, public and private agencies form a network dedicated to providing safe and loving homes for children.


Frequently Asked Questions

  • The good news is that you do not need to understand the entire system before taking the first step.

    Start by learning about foster care and speaking with agencies serving your area or populations you feel you can serve. You can contact the agencies listed on this website!  Narrow down your options to two or three and ask being the inquiry process.

    When you meet with each agency, ask questions about their training process, support services, expectations, and the types of placements they provide.

    Finding the right agency is much like finding the right school, employer, or healthcare provider—it should be a good fit for your family's needs and values.

  • Each licensed foster care agency is approved by the state and must meet strict regulations and standards. While all agencies share the same goal of serving children, they often differ in:

    • Geographic service areas

    • Types of children and families they serve

    • Training and support models

    • Specialized services and expertise

    • Availability of staff and resources

    Some agencies focus on therapeutic foster care, some specialize in medically complex children, and others provide services for specific populations or regions. Because every foster family is unique, having multiple agencies allows families to find the best fit for their circumstances and goals.

  • If you have ever considered becoming a foster parent, you may have quickly become overwhelmed by the number of agencies, websites, and different messages about how to get started.

    Many people ask, "Why are there so many foster care agencies?" or "Which agency should I choose?"

    The answer begins with understanding how Kentucky's foster care system works.