As of June 2023, DHR of Madison County had more than 450 children in foster care, with 46 children entering in the previous month alone. For years now, this number has always been over 400 in our county. Throughout the state, there are nearly 5,800 children in foster care. Madison County represents over 8% of all placements throughout the entire state… and we have less than 200 licensed & active foster homes.
The need is great for foster parents in Madison County, Alabama.
Some children simply need foster care for a matter of days. Others may need foster care until they are reunited with their biological family or a plan is made for them to be adopted. All of these children share the need for a caring and committed family that can bring them the future they deserve.
Who are these children that need foster care?
- Children from all ethnic and economic groups.
- Children with backgrounds or experiences that have placed them at risk.
- Brothers and sisters who need to stay together.
- Teens with various degrees of mental, physical or emotional problems.
- Children of all ages who cannot currently live with their birth families due to the risk of neglect, physical or sexual abuse.
What they need most is love, compassion, and care.
Families or individuals interested in providing foster care for children are subject to an approval process. The main requirement is to have the ability and desire to provide the type of care needed by the children served.
- Foster care applicants complete a 30-hour preparation course called Trauma Informed Partnering for Safety (TIPS) and receive information necessary to prepare for a rewarding family experience.
- Foster parents may provide care for one or more children, the maximum of six at any one time.
- Children in foster care have a social worker assigned to them to support the placement and to access necessary services. Foster families also have social workers assigned to support them.
- Families receive a payment each month for room & board.
You could be a foster parent if…
- You are at least 19 years of age.
- You can provide a safe, comfortable atmosphere for the child.
- Your home conforms to Alabama Minimum Standards for Foster Family Homes (updated July 2021).
- Your home has enough space for the child and his or her belongings.
- All members of your family are willing to share their home with a child who needs care.
- All members of your family are in good health.
- All adults in the home are willing to undergo a thorough background check, including criminal history.
Start your journey today by completing an application & contacting Madison County DHR.
Learn more about how you can get involved from the Alabama Department of Human Resources.
Upcoming TIPS Training Opportunities for Summer/Fall 2023
