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, requirements, and different messages about how to get started.

You may have found yourself asking:

“Why are there so many foster care agencies?”
“Which agency should I choose?”
“Where do I even start?”

You are not alone. Understanding a little about how Kentucky’s foster care system works can make the process much easier to navigate.

Public vs. Private Foster Care

The Kentucky Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) is responsible for helping ensure the safety and well-being of children who enter foster care. DCBS represents Kentucky’s public, or state-run, foster care system.

However, the needs of children and families are greater and more diverse than one system can address alone. Kentucky also utilizes licensed private foster care agencies to provide foster homes and services for children. That means prospective foster parents have choices.

A good first step is deciding whether you would prefer to foster through:

• DCBS — the public/state foster care system, or

• A licensed private foster care agency.

How Do I Decide?

Start by learning about the differences between public and private foster care and then begin exploring individual agencies.

As you research your options, pay attention to differences such as:

• Ages of children served

• Types of placements

• Emergency or planned placements

• Geographic service areas

• Populations or needs the agency specializes

These differences can actually be helpful. They allow you to identify the type of fostering that may be the best fit for your family, your abilities, and the children you feel most prepared to support.

Aren’t All Foster Care Agencies the Same?

No. While public and private foster care agencies must follow applicable state requirements and standards, agencies may serve different populations and provide different levels or types of support.

Depending on the children and families they serve, an agency may offer additional support and programs.

Once you have narrowed down the type of foster care that interests you, take the second step and talk with several agencies. Ask questions. Learn about the children they serve and the support they provide.

Becoming a foster parent is a significant decision. The goal is to find the right fit for you, your family, and the children you hope to serve.