Become a Foster Parent in Kansas

Nearly 7,000 Kansas children and teens in foster care, and you can change a child’s life by becoming a foster parent! Fostering provides a child who has experienced abuse or neglect with a safe, loving environment. On top of this, it gives you the opportunity to show a child the love and care they deserve while growing emotionally, mentally and spiritually as you teach life skills and give support. You will experience joy and may even discover a greater sense of purpose in your life.

Guidelines

The requirements for becoming a foster parent vary from state to state; however, to meet general requirements in Kansas you must:

  • Be at least 21 or older
  • Be able to meet basic income guidelines
  • Be free from any type of assistance including, but not limited to, Section 8 Housing, food stamps, TANF, or Medicaid
  • Be able to provide adequate bedroom space that meets local fire codes and have a separate bed for each child
  • Have reliable transportation
  • Be willing to complete 30 hours of free training in “Trauma-Informed Partnering for Safety and Permanency – Model Approach for Partnerships in Parenting” (TIPS-MAPP)
  • Agree to use non-physical discipline for children
  • Be willing for everyone in your household to undergo complete background checks. All licensees will be fingerprinted as a part of the federal Adam Walsh Act

Sign Me Up!

Our website has several resources that can help you get started. Our Frequently Asked Questions page goes over inquiries like “How do I get started?”, and our blog covers a range of a range of helpful topics like Becoming A Foster Parent: Questions About Your First Placement. You can also contact one of our foster parent recruiters if you have any questions or visit our Frequently Asked Questions About Foster Care page.

You Can Now Become a Foster Parent from Home with Virtual Training. Click Here to Learn More.

About the Training Class

The “Trauma-Informed Partnering for Safety and Permanency – Model Approach for Partnerships in Parenting” (TIPS-MAPP) training is required by the state of Kansas for all prospective foster parents.  This free course, led by certified professionals and experienced foster parents, is comprised of weekly three-hour meetings with some homework assignments.  One or both of the TIPS-MAPP leaders will also visit you and your family in your home for a minimum of two home consultations.

The goal of TIPS-MAPP is to help prospective foster parents gain a better understanding of the skills and knowledge necessary for successful foster parenting.  The process presents an opportunity for participants to make informed decisions about their willingness and readiness to become foster parents. Children’s Alliance of Kansas describes this approach to helping prospective foster and adoptive parents make the decision to pursue foster parenting or adoption. Over the course of the training, parents assess their parenting skills, their desire and ability to work as partners in permanency planning, and their ability to meet the needs of children for safety, permanency, and well-being.

To enroll in TIPS-MAPP with KVC, please contact our caring team of Kansas foster parent recruiters!

Final Steps to Becoming Licensed

Once licensing forms are received and approved, KDHE will contact you to schedule a final health and safety check of your home prior to issuing a foster care license. All prospective foster parents are also required to receive training in First Aid and CPR, Medication Administration, and Universal Precautions.

We’ll Support You the Whole Way

If you’re considering becoming a foster parent, KVC Kansas is here to guide you every step of the way. We will provide you with:

  • Free ongoing training and support 24/7, 365 days/year
  • 24-hour phone support
  • Health insurance for the child
  • Assistance finding local resources
  • A fun weekend away at our Resource Family Conference, which provides a fantastic learning experience for parents and children
  • Monthly reimbursement to meet the child’s needs plus assistance with back-to-school supplies and holiday gifts.

Where does KVC Kansas provide foster care services?

We license foster families throughout the state in addition to providing foster care case management in 11 counties.

Live in Missouri? Learn about our Treatment Foster Care program.

Have additional questions? Visit our Frequently Asked Questions About Foster Care page.