Every day across Texas, children enter foster care because they can no longer safely remain at home. For these children, life changes in an instant. They may leave behind: Their bedroom Their school Friends Pets Favorite toys Familiar routines Many arrive with only a small bag of belongings—or sometimes nothing

If you’re considering becoming a foster parent, you probably have a lot of questions—and you’re not alone. Many people feel called to foster but hesitate because they’re unsure how the process works or whether they’re qualified. They wonder about everything from licensing requirements and home inspections to reimbursement, training, and

A Practical Checklist Opening your home to a child in foster care is one of the most meaningful decisions you can make. As exciting as the journey is, many future foster parents find themselves asking: “Is my home ready?” “Do I need a big house?” “What does the state actually

When children enter foster care, they aren’t just leaving a house. They’re leaving behind everything they’ve ever known. Even when home was unsafe, it was still familiar. They may suddenly lose: Their bedroom Their school Friends Pets Neighbors Daily routines Contact with siblings or extended family For many children, foster

Common Myths About Foster Care: Separating Fact From Fiction Foster care is one of the most misunderstood parts of the child welfare system. Many people feel called to help children in need but never take the first step because they’ve heard misinformation from friends, social media, or television. They believe

What Is Kinship Care? When a child can no longer safely live with their parents, the first question child welfare professionals often ask isn’t: “Which foster home is available?” Instead, it’s: “Is there a trusted family member who can care for this child?” That’s where kinship care comes in. Kinship

How Long Do Children Stay in Foster Care? One of the first questions many prospective foster parents ask is: “How long will a child stay with me?” The honest answer is: It depends. Some children may stay with a foster family for only a few days, while others may remain

Many people who are interested in fostering ask the same question before they ever submit an application: “Will I qualify?” For some, that question comes from uncertainty about their background. Others worry about their finances, living situation, or a mistake they made years ago. The good news is that Texas

One of the most common questions prospective foster parents ask is: “Do foster parents get paid?” The answer is yes—but it’s important to understand what those payments are actually for. Foster parents in Texas receive reimbursements to help cover the everyday costs of caring for a child placed in their

One of the biggest misconceptions about foster care is that you have to be married to become a foster parent. The truth is you do not have to be married to foster a child in Texas. In fact, many children throughout the state are cared for by compassionate, capable single