BECOME A FOSTER PARENT
Real local agencies that train, license and support foster families, sorted by state and county. Every link goes to the organization's own website.
1. Reach out
Contact a local agency or your county below and ask about an info session.
2. Get trained
Agencies walk you through training, a home study and background checks.
3. Get licensed
Once licensed, your agency supports you as children are placed.
Or browse by state
See every state with verified foster parent helpDistrict of Columbia
Statewide
DC Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA)
STAAND Resource Parent Portal · Statewide
The official licensing and training portal for prospective and current District of Columbia resource parents, part of the STAAND (Stronger Together Against Abuse and Neglect in DC) system.
DC
DC Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA)
Become a Foster or Adoptive Parent · Statewide
The primary recruitment pathway for District residents to become foster or adoptive parents for children and youth in the DC public child welfare system.
DC
DC Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA)
Grandparent Caregivers Program · Statewide
Provides monthly financial assistance to District residents who are raising their grandchildren or other close relatives outside the formal foster care system.
DC
DC Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA)
Kinship Navigator Services · Statewide
A specialized resource portal and service for kinship caregivers in the District, providing navigation to subsidies and emergency financial assistance.
DC
DC Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA)
The BOND Program (Respite Support) · Statewide
A program designed to increase quality support and retention for resource parents by providing respite care and a supportive network.
DC
DC Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA)
Homemaker and In-Home Respite Services · Statewide
Provides periods of relief to primary caregivers of foster children in the District through in-home supportive services.
DC
DC Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA)
Partners for Kids and Families (PKF) · Statewide
PKF collects and distributes essential items for children and youth in DC foster care through community donations and seasonal drives. Volunteers can support these efforts by organizing or donating to drives.
DC
DC Family & Youth Initiative (DCFYI)
Mentor or Host Parent for Teens in Care · Statewide
DCFYI is the only DC-area organization focused exclusively on helping teens in foster care and young adults who have aged out make lifelong connections with caring adults through mentoring, host parenting, and adoption.
853 New Jersey Avenue SE, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20003
DC127
Faith-Based Support for Foster Care · Statewide
A movement of DC churches working together to support foster families and prevent entries into the child welfare system. Volunteers can join 'support circles' to help families with practical needs.
1225 Otis St NE, Washington, DC 20017
Foster and Adoptive Parent Advocacy Center (FAPAC)
Christmas for Kids in Foster Care Volunteering · Statewide
FAPAC organizes an annual holiday event for children in DC foster care. Volunteers help with event setup, gift wrapping, and supporting sibling reunifications.
1528 Marion Barry Ave SE, Washington, DC 20020
District of Columbia
Catholic Charities DC
Post-Adoption Search Services · District of Columbia
Maintains records and provides search services for individuals whose adoptions were handled by Catholic Charities in the District.
924 G Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
Foster & Adoptive Parent Advocacy Center (FAPAC)
Support and Advocacy for DC Resource Parents · District of Columbia
Provides peer support groups, individual advocacy, and training for foster, kinship, and adoptive parents within the DC child welfare system.
1528 Marion Barry Ave SE, Washington, DC 20020
Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area (LSSNCA)
Traditional Foster Care and Adoption · District of Columbia
LSSNCA provides licensing, training, and placement services for traditional foster care and adoption, specifically serving children and youth in the District of Columbia.
1730 Rhode Island Ave NW, Suite 712, Washington, DC 20036
National Center for Children and Families (NCCF)
Foster Care and Adoption Services · District of Columbia
A licensed child-placing agency providing comprehensive foster care and adoption services for children in the DC child welfare system through its Family Focused Initiative.
DC
Paths for Families
Foster Care Adoption (Formerly Adoptions Together) · District of Columbia
Licensed DC agency that facilitates the adoption of children from foster care, providing home studies and training for families in the District.
DC
Progressive Life Center
DC Foster Care and Adoption · District of Columbia
Provides culturally competent foster care and adoption services in the District, specializing in therapeutic foster care for DC children.
1704 17th Street NE, Washington, DC 20002
Seraaj Family Homes
Therapeutic Foster Care (DC) · District of Columbia
A licensed DC agency specializing in therapeutic foster care, meeting the individual needs of children in the District's child welfare system.
DC
Help Foster Youth is a directory. Always confirm requirements and details directly with each organization.