You would be so good at this.

There’s a child or teen who needs someone just like YOU – and at KVC Kansas, we make sure the opportunity to foster is open to all people. You can foster a child at any stage of life, regardless of your relationship status, gender identity, income level or where you live. What matters most is how much you care. We have options that work in your life, right where you are – for exactly who you are.

Foster parents provide a safe, loving environment. It’s a meaningful opportunity to find personal fulfillment as you show a child the love and care they deserve, teach them life skills and give them support. You will experience joy and discover a greater sense of purpose in life.

The Time is Now

On any given day, nearly 450,000 children in the U.S. are in foster care. In Kansas, nearly 6,000 youth are in foster care hoping for a caring environment to temporarily call home while their biological family works toward reunification.

So, do you have the heart to foster a child? Say yes, and we will support you every step of the way.

Criteria for Foster Parents

Being a foster parent can be an immensely rewarding experience. It’s sharing the small moments, like eating a nutritious meal together at the family dinner table. And the big moments, like developing positive relationships and high self-esteem. Above all, it’s about helping a child flourish and grow into a confident, contributing member of the community.

To become a foster parent, families or individuals must meet the following criteria in Kansas:

• 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 Model Approach for Partnerships in Parenting (MAPP) Foundations
• 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

Contact one of our foster parent recruiters.

Resources for Prospective Foster Parents

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 become a foster parent from home with virtual training. Contact us to learn more.

About the Training Class

The state of Kansas requires all prospective foster parents and adoptive families to complete the Model Approach for Partnerships in Parenting (MAPP) Foundations training classes. This free course, led by certified professionals and experienced foster parents, is comprised of weekly three-hour meetings with some homework assignments. Members of our foster parent training and licensing team will also visit you and your family in your home for a minimum of two home consultations.

The goal of MAPP Foundations 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. MAPP Foundations will help prospective foster and adoptive parents feel confident in their 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 with biological parents and service providers toward family reunification, and their ability to meet children’s needs for safety, permanency and wellbeing.

To enroll in training and begin your foster parenting or adoption journey, please contact our caring team of Kansas foster parent recruiters!

Final Steps to Becoming Licensed

After the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) receives and approves your licensing forms, they will contact you. Then you will schedule a final health and safety check of your home with KDHE prior to receiving your 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 provide foster care case management services in 11 Northeastern Kansas counties. We also train and license foster parents across many Central and Eastern Kansas counties.

Live in Missouri? Learn about KVC Missouri’s foster parent training and licensing program.

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