Become a Foster Parent

You don’t have to have all the answers coming in. That’s what we’re here for. At SAFY, we’ve walked alongside foster families through welcoming the first youth into their home, hard days, and everything in between and stays true throughout your journey with us.

Your Foster Parent Journey Starts Here

Our Difference

Choosing to open your home is a significant decision and you shouldn’t have to figure it out alone. At SAFY, we know that foster families do their best work when they feel informed, respected, and genuinely supported, not just at the start, but throughout the entire journey. We’ve built our approach around real partnership with the families we work with because the children in our care deserve stability that comes from a strong support system. 

At SAFY,

  • We value the rights, dignity, beliefs and difference of all families

  • We are committed partners and supportive listeners to all we serve

  • All foster parents are supported by a team committed to nurturing an environment of collaboration

  • We help families understand their role in a child’s larger story whatever that path ultimately looks like

A group of people giving a golden retriever a bath in a backyard, surrounded by trees and grass.

Built-In Support From Day One

Fostering is one of the most meaningful things a family can do. We’re here to make sure it’s also sustainable.

Our support matters on your fostering journey. SAFY provides:

  • Day-to-Day Support

    • In-home, hands-on support from dedicated staff

    • 24/7 on-call services - you’re never without backup

  • Build Your Skills & Confidence

    • High-quality training before and after licensing

    • Access to experienced foster families who’ve been where you are

    • Youth enrichment opportunities for the children in your home

  • The Practical Side

    • Competitive reimbursement rates reflecting the real cost of care

    • Paid respite so you can recharge

    • Up to $200 for required safety equipment

    • A bonus for completing licensing paperwork

  • Community & Connection

    • Family events and activities throughout the year

    • A network of foster families across our communities

The SAFY Difference

  • It is extremely hard at times for foster parents. But when you have an agency like SAFY that supports you, it makes it a lot easier to continue to make a positive impact on kids’ lives. Our agency helps us focus during the hard times on why we do what we do, to make a difference in kids’ lives.

    SAFY Foster Parent, Ohio

  • When comparing first time foster parents from SAFY to another Licensing Agency, it is vastly different. SAFY has greatly prepared and trained the family I work with. SAFY is able to answer and mitigate questions for the family while also advocating for them appropriately!

    Indiana Department of Child Services Case Worker

  • Ever since we became a part of the SAFY family they have always gone above and beyond to support and help meet our goals! We are eternally grateful for the continuous support that they have given us.

    SAFY Foster Parent, Colorado

  • You guys are amazing and phenomenal. Everything you all do has been nothing but a beautiful thing. Keep it up!

    SAFY Foster Parent, Nevada

  • We have loved being foster parents with SAFY of Sidney, always supportive of us during our foster parent journey.

    SAFY Foster Parent, Ohio

  • I prefer to work with homes that are SAFY homes. I feel like we get more results.

    Indiana Department of Child Services Case Worker

  • SAFY is very supportive. The team I worked with from the beginning to now has been nothing less than wonderful. I have recommended SAFY to everyone that I know that wants to foster.

    SAFY Foster Parent, Indiana

  • SAFY is an awesome agency and we are super happy we found them!

    SAFY Foster Parent, Colorado

  • The [SAFY] case manager whom I work with is phenomenal. I cannot share enough great things about her. She responds to communication timely and supports the foster family very well. It is a pleasure having her on the child and family team. I am sure that the foster parents and youth would agree!

    Indiana Department of Child Services, Case Manager

  • We couldn't be any happier with SAFY. After using the county agency 10 years ago, we have truly been blown away with all SAFY provides our family.

    SAFY Foster Parent, Ohio

  • The entire SAFY staff have worked together to provide outstanding services and resources to me and the children I had worked with in my home.

    SAFY Foster Parent, Ohio

  • As a foster parent, there are valleys, and there are peaks. But, after the peaks, you forget the valleys.

    Jeff Crawford, SAFY Foster Parent & Board Member

Two older youth sitting on the couch smiling with their mom

Foster Parent Experience

Foster parents come from all backgrounds, as do the youth we serve. Having a diverse population of foster families is important to meet the variety of needs of youth experiencing foster care. Whether you are an older adult, single, married, unmarried partners, LGBTQIA+, stay-at-home or working, homeowner or renter, fostering could fit your family.

From our experience, there’s no “perfect” foster parent, just people willing to show up, stay consistent, and care. Many foster families started with uncertainty but found confidence through support, training, and lived experience.

If you’re exploring how to become a foster parent, know that your background, lifestyle, and perspective matter more than you may think.

The Basic Requirements

  • Be at least 21 years of age in most states

  • Complete required training, paperwork, and home assessment

  • Maintain safe bedroom space for youth

  • Demonstrate financial stability

These foster parent requirements are designed to ensure that every child enters a safe, supportive, and stable environment. While the process may seem detailed, we walk you through each step so you know what to expect.

Many families are surprised to learn that meeting foster parent requirements is more achievable than they initially thought. If you’re unsure whether you qualify, we encourage you to reach out, we’re here to help you explore your options.

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Father and daughter walking dog on autumn day

Licensing Process

We walk beside you every step of the way on your foster parent journey. Below is what you can expect from the licensing process with SAFY at your side:

  • The time from your initial inquiry with SAFY to accepting a youth in your home is approximately 90 days

  • Our experienced foster parent recruiter will schedule an in-person information session to answer your questions and provide details on next steps

  • We will guide you through the paperwork and background check process

  • We will prepare you for success with exceptional training

  • We will partner with you to complete a home assessment required for all licensed foster homes

When people ask us how to become a foster parent, we often explain that the licensing process is less about checking boxes and more about preparing you for real-life experiences.

Our training focuses on practical, day-to-day scenarios, how to support the children in your care, how to respond to behaviors shaped by past experiences, and how to create a home rooted in consistency and trust.

Throughout the process, our goal is simple: to equip you with the tools, confidence, and support system needed to succeed, not just during licensing, but throughout your time as a foster parent.

Ready to Become a Foster Parent?

If you’re ready to take the next step, or just want to learn more, reach out. We’ll answer your questions and walk you through what to expect.