What is Foster Care?
A situation in which, for a period of time, a child lives with and is cared for by people who are not the child's parents when his/her family or legal custodian cannot provide care.
Family Foster Care
We believe that EVERY CHILD deserves a safe, stable, & loving home. Whether it is a temporary placement or a long-term living situation, we know that the local church can bridge the gap for the thousands of children in the North Carolina foster care system. Family Foster Care is where couples undergo training and licensing through BCH to provide care for a child, or children, in their own homes.
The Hintons felt the calling to become a foster family. Watch their story.
“God just wants our 'yes' and we've tried to give it to Him."
— Chad Hinton, Foster Care father
FAQs
Who are the children?
Foster children can be any child in North Carolina, ranging in age from infancy to 21 years old, who enters the foster care system. Each child has their own unique background, experiences, and specific needs. Many come from situations of abuse and neglect and do not possess a healthy self-esteem. Foster children need a family atmosphere, a place where they can belong. Most of all, they need to be loved and nurtured.
Can we adopt the children we foster?
Possibly. The goal of foster care is reunification with the biological parents, however, if it is determined that reunification is not possible, adoption can become an option for permanency.
If you are interested in adoption, click here to learn more about Christian Adoption Services' domestic adoption program
What is a foster family home?
A foster home is a family’s residence. The family offers their residence for as many as one, but no more than five children, and provides them with daily, 24-hour care. Five children total may receive care in a family foster home (including the foster parent’s own children). Adult supervision must be provided during the time foster children are living in the home.
How long does it take to become licensed?
The licensing process to become a foster family typically takes between 4-6 months. As part of the licensure process, you are required to complete at least 30 hours of pre-services training. Our BCH Trainers are certified to use the CARE curriculum in the licensing process which are all presented from a Biblical perspective. In addition to the pre-services training you are required to complete CPR, First Aid, Blood Borne Pathogen, and Medication Administration training, so how quickly you turn in the required licensing paperwork after completing your training effects the overall amount of time the licensure process takes.
Are there other benefits to fostering through BCH?
One of the many things that sets BCH apart from other organizations is the continued support available to the licensed foster family. Once a family has completed their certification process and has received their license to foster, BCH assigns them a Case Manager. The Case Manager walks alongside the foster family and becomes their advocate to help them work through any situation that arises in their foster care journey. In other words, each foster family, foster child, and church has someone to care for them.
Are their other ways we can help children?
Yes, there are several other ways you can help children.
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Be a mentor for youth
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Establish a Support Team Ministry at your church for foster and adoptive families
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Raise funds for a local foster or adoptive family support group
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Volunteer with a non-profit organization that provides foster care services
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Provide childcare to foster parents attending training classes
Eligibility Requirements
Scroll to the right to see the requirements to become a foster family.