Residing Hope Foster Care FAQs

Foster care provides temporary, safe, and nurturing homes for children who cannot remain with their biological families due to abuse, neglect, or other concerns.

The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) oversees the foster care system, working with local community-based agencies to place children in foster homes while efforts are made to reunify them with their families or find permanent placement.

Children in foster care range from infants to 21 years and may include siblings who need to stay together, children with medical needs, and those who have experienced trauma.

In Florida, foster parents must:

• Be at least 21 years of age
• Pass background checks and home studies (Including all household members)
• Complete required foster parent training (21 hours) which covers child development, trauma-informed care, and fostering regulations.
• Have stable household income and a safe home environment
• Demonstrate the ability to meet a child’s emotional and physical needs

No, both single and married individuals can foster. We encourage strong family and support systems.

Yes, many foster families have biological or adopted children. We work to ensure that fostering is a good fit for your entire family.

The process typically takes 3–6 months, depending on training completion, home study approval, and background checks.

No, foster parents can rent or own a home, but they must have adequate space for a child.

While you can specify age ranges and other preferences, placements depend on the needs of children in care.

Placements can range from a few days to several months or even years, depending on the child’s circumstances.

Children range from newborns to 21 years of age. There is a particular need for homes for older children, sibling groups, and children with special needs.

Each case is different. Some children stay for a few days or months, while others remain in care until they can safely return home or be adopted.

Yes, we work with you to determine the best match based on your family’s strengths and preferences.

We offer:

• 24/7 support and guidance
• Attend court and staffing meetings
• Quarterly training and workshops
• Respite care options
• Prayer support
• Connections to community resources
• Annual Family Retreat

Yes, foster parents receive a monthly stipend from the state of Florida to help cover the child’s needs, including food, clothing, and basic expenses.

We encourage respite care, where another trained foster family temporarily cares for your foster child to give you time to rest and recharge. We also encourage families to secure at least two screened individuals to be back up babysitters. We offer twelve paid days of respite per fiscal year.

Yes, but foster children must be given the freedom to practice their own beliefs. We encourage families to share their faith in a respectful and loving way.

Yes, if parental rights have been terminated and reunification is not an option, foster parents may apply to adopt the child in their care.

Churches can support foster families by offering:

• Foster parent recruitment events
• Respite care programs
• Supply drives (clothing, backpacks, essentials)
• Volunteer during foster care events

Start by reaching out to our agency! We’ll guide you through an orientation session, answer your questions, and help you begin training and certification.
📞 [(386) 668-4774]
📧 [www.fostercare@residinghope]
🌐 [www.residinghope.org]
We look forward to partnering with you to make a difference in the lives of children in need!

You can support foster care by:

• Volunteering at events
• Becoming a respite caregiver
• Donating supplies for foster families
• Praying for foster children and families

Yes, many foster parents work full-time. Arrangements may need to be made for child care, especially for young children.

Yes, if parental rights are terminated and reunification is not an option, foster parents may apply to adopt the child in their care.

Fostering is temporary and aimed at reunifying children with their biological families, while adoption is a permanent legal process.

Yes, foster children attend public school, and they may qualify for educational assistance, such as tutoring and scholarships.

Yes, but you must get approval from the child’s caseworker and the court for out-of-state travel.

Our mission is to provide safe, nurturing, and faith-centered homes for children in foster care, offering them hope, stability, and love.

While we are a faith-based organization, we welcome foster parents from various backgrounds who align with our values and are committed to providing a loving and supportive home.