Foster Care FAQs
Who is eligible to become a foster parent?
- You must be 21 years of age or older.
- You must be a citizen or legal resident of the U.S. – this includes all household members.
- You may be single or married, but if you are married you must have been married for at least two years. If divorced, you must have been divorced for at least two years.
- In order to be eligible for services through our Houston office, prospective parents must live in one of the following counties: Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Colorado, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Liberty, Matagorda, Montgomery, Walker, Waller, and Wharton.
- In order to be eligible for services through our South Texas office, prospective parents must live in one of the following counties: Aransas, Bee, Brooks, Cameron, Duval, Hidalgo, Jim Hogg, Jim Wells, Kenedy, Kleberg, Live Oak, McMullen, Nueces, Refugio, San Patricio, Starr, Webb, Willacy, and Zapata
How long will it take before I can have a child living in my home?
Every situation is different. It is up to the family applicant and the matching process.
Once I become a foster parent, can I adopt my foster child?
If the child is legally free for adoption, meaning that their birth parents’ rights have either been terminated or relinquished, foster parents may be considered for adopting their foster children. Your Arms Wide Foster Care Coordinator will help advocate for you, but the decision is ultimately made by CPS and the judge.
What is the difference between foster-to-adopt and temporary foster care?
Children in our Foster Care Program may not be legally free for adoption. Children in a foster-to-adopt placement may have a concurrent permanency goal of adoption if family reunification is not an option.
Does Arms Wide offer support services for foster families?
Yes! This is the hallmark of our program. Arms Wide foster families have access to their respective coordinator 24 hours a day, including weekends. It is our belief that our foster parents should not be alone on this journey, and providing support is crucial to the care and well-being of our children. Arms Wide Foster Care Coordinators speak to their respective parents weekly and see the children at least once a month.