Foster Care FAQs

Q. Does a FaithBridge foster family have a say in choosing the child(ren)?

Yes. We call this your “desired placement,” and it includes gender, age and number of children considerations, and we’ll discuss your rationale for your preference. If it’s on your mind, we welcome the conversation!

Q. How long do foster children stay in care?

The length of time varies according to the need. Some are placed briefly (a few days) while some remain for months or years.

Q. What about biological parents?

The first goal of FaithBridge is the return of the child(ren) to biological families, when possible. To maintain the relationships, regularly scheduled visitations are arranged and supervised.

Q. Can FaithBridge foster families house several children at one time?

Yes, this happens typically with siblings and there is a big need for foster parents willing to take more than one or two children. We work within state guidelines for the number of foster children in one home at one time and also consider what is best for your family.

Q. Who takes responsibility for the child(ren) in the home?

You are responsible for the daily care of the foster child(ren) in your home. FaithBridge staff, government employees and biological parents maintain various legal, guardianship and service responsibilities. FaithBridge maintains overall responsibility for decisions regarding children, and any and all questions and major decisions should be discussed with your family consultant.

Q. What happens if the placement doesn’t work out? 

The principle of “First Placement, Best Placement” for the foster child(ren) seeks to prevent disruptions. Foster families are encouraged to contact their family consultant when having difficulty and make all efforts to stabilize the home and the placement.

Q. Are children available for adoption? 

The majority of children in foster care return to their biological family, which is most often the best option. However, when reunification is not an option, a permanent, adoptive family is the goal. FaithBridge can assist you in the process of transitioning from a foster family to an adoptive family, if you desire to do this. If not, FaithBridge will work with you and the child(ren) to transition them to a home that is open to adoption.

There are also children who are in foster care and are waiting for adoptive homes. FaithBridge can work with you to adopt children from foster care (specifically, teens, sibling groups of three or more or have special needs) through our Adoption Services program.

Q. Are there costs involved to become a FaithBridge foster parent?

Generally, there are fees involved in some of the approval steps, including but not limited to drug screens, fingerprinting, co-payments for physicals or medical documentation, veterinary expenses for rabies vaccinations (if you have pets) and septic tank inspections. If these are a hindrance, consider discussing options with your local church or ministry.

Q. For what costs, if any, am I reimbursed? Who pays for medical and dental care? 

Purchases must be approved by your family consultant before they are made. Many expenses have an annual allowance, regardless of how many foster homes and parents the child has had. Original receipts are required. Foster children are wards of the state and eligible for Medicaid.

Q. Do I receive any tax breaks for being a foster parent?

There are some tax implications, and we recommend consulting a CPA or tax advisor.