How does foster-to-adopt work?

Foster-to-adopt means you provide foster care with the possibility of adopting the child if they cannot safely return to their birth family.

The primary goal of foster care is always reunification, helping youth safely return to their family whenever possible. During this time, you provide a stable, nurturing home as a Resource Parent, supporting both the youth and their family through the healing process.

If reunification isn’t possible, the court and the child’s team explore permanency through relatives or the current Resource Family. Because you’ve already built trust and connection, you may become the child’s permanent family through adoption.

Foster-to-adopt ensures children have stability and love now, while giving families the opportunity to become a forever home in the future.

Do I have to foster before I can adopt?

Yes, when children enter foster care, the first goal is always reunification, helping them safely return to their birth family whenever possible. As a Resource Family, you provide stability, nurturing, and a sense of belonging while permanency plans are made.

Some children have already completed that part of their journey and are waiting for a forever family. Through our foster-to-adopt program, you may be part of a child’s story from the very beginning or join further along their path.

No matter where the journey begins, the focus is always on creating safety, connection, and a lasting family for a child in need.

Is there an adoption fee?

Adopting through our foster-to-adopt program does not include agency fees. The only cost at the time of adoption finalization is a small court filing fee (currently $20, which may be subject to change). 

There may be minimal costs during the Resource Family Approval (RFA) process, such as fingerprinting, medical exams, or required documentation – but these are typically low and vary by your chosen provider. Our team will walk you through each step so you know what to expect and can plan accordingly. 

Can I adopt an infant through your agency?

Infant adoptions through foster care are possible, but they’re less common. When infants enter care, they are often served by foster-to-adopt families and foster-only families while the court and social work team work toward reunification or identifying kin who can provide long-term care. 

Our greatest ongoing need is for families ready to open their homes to children and teens who are seeking stability, connection, and a sense of belonging. Every age brings unique moments of growth, joy, and the chance to make a lasting difference in a child’s life.