Become a foster parent

Foster parents love, celebrate, mentor, coach, comfort, support and encourage the children in their home. Foster parents work as a team with the child’s caseworker and biological parents to ensure the wellbeing of the child in their care. The goal of foster care is to reunite the child with their biological family, so foster care is meant to be temporary.

We help all kinds of children and families, from all over Tennessee. We help children from many different backgrounds and cultures. Like any child, children in foster care are unique. Each has their own special personality, abilities, interests, and potential. So we need safe foster homes who can support the children in their care— despite cultural or religious differences.

The amount of time children are in foster care can vary. Placements can last for a few weeks, a few months, or several years. How long a child stays in a foster home is usually decided by their biological parent’s ability to engage in services designed to help them keep their children safe. During this time, a supportive home can make a big difference for a child.

The first step is to connect with Every Child TN. We’ll get to know you, help answer questions you may have, and help connect you with the right agency. Then you’ll complete the approval process, which includes:

• Taking classes and attending trainings
• Home visits with your DCS team
• Determining how many children you’ll be able to care for  

After you’re approved, you’ll be able to begin taking care of foster children. 

Foster parents can receive a variety of different supports. Agencies can help foster parents by:

• Providing training
• Connecting foster parents to other services
• Regularly checking in

DCS will work with you to determine how many children would be appropriate to place with you. This decision will be based on your preferences, circumstances, and state guidelines.

Foster parents receive a monthly stipend for each child’s expenses. The reimbursement rate varies depending on each child’s age and level of needs. Children’s medical and dental costs are also covered by a state-funded health plan.

Every Child TN is a community initiative designed to help meet the needs of our state’s most vulnerable children. Every Child TN aims to provide love, care, and support for vulnerable children and families in Tennessee. We work in partnership with the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services. We’re here to:

• Connect you with the right agency to start the foster parent approval process
• Connect you with local organizations who need dedicated volunteers

DCS manages the approval process and will help support you as you become a foster parent. 

The Department of Children’s Services is a state agency that manages foster care and maintains custody of all the children in foster care. Private agencies are licensed businesses that contract with DCS to help place children into foster homes. Both DCS and private agencies can help you determine the right foster care path for you and provide support along the way.

Yes! We are always in need of caring foster families in Tennessee. In 2023, there were approximately 8,000 children in foster care in Tennessee and less than 5,000 approved homes.