Foster Care & Adoptions

Join the Foster Parent Training Classes

The next Orientation will be held on May 22nd from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. This is strongly recommended and will give an overview of both our agency and the licensing process. There will be plenty of time for asking questions as well.

Our next MAPP classes will start on Tuesday, June 12. They will run for 10 weeks, on Tuesday nights only, from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Both will take place at 200 College St. Asheville NC 28801. It is a fun way to meet other people interested in fostering and learn more about how you can help. There is no cost and no commitment. To sign up, or for more information, please call 250-5868 or email familiesforkids@buncombecounty.org.

What is Foster Care anyway?

Foster care happens when Social Services decides that a child in not safe in his or her home (and a judge agrees) but the parents do not have anywhere else to send the child. The child is then placed in foster care temporarily while the parents get services and make their home a safe place for their child to return to.

Jimmy Wayne: Foster Hope

See recording artist Jimmy Wayne speaking about his experience in foster care.

Foster Hope [Windows Media]

Am I needed as a Foster Parent?

Yes! In Buncombe County, there are over 250 children in care, but we have only around 90 foster homes. This means that many children are placed in group homes…or away from their siblings…or sent out of county – far away from everything they know. We need quality, loving foster families to help provide for these children.

What are the requirements?

You may be married or single
You must be 21 years or older
Have a high school diploma or show the ability to read
A source of stable income is required
You must pass a criminal background check
You must provide excellent references
You must not have a negative history with a child welfare agency
You must not live with anyone who has been convicted of a felony
You must have a working telephone
Must provide each child their own bed
Must be CPR and First Aid certified

Can I foster with my life-style?

You do not have to be rich to be a foster parent. You can rent your apartment. You can be single, married, or in an un-married relationship. You can work full time. You can not work at all (as long as you can show that you are financially stable). It is important to us to have foster families from many different lifestyles because we have children from all different backgrounds!

Do I get paid to be a foster parent?

No. However, you will receive a monthly check to help cover the child’s expenses while s/he is in your home. This ranges in amount by the age of the child:

0-5 years = $475
6-12 years = $581
13-17 years = $634

The children also are covered by Medicaid for any health or therapy expenses.

How long do kids stay in my home?

This varies tremendously. If an appropriate relative can be found, the child may be with you for only a short while. If not, the child may be in your home for a year or more – depending on how quickly the parents can complete their services. At around a year, if the parents are not doing what has been required, the judge will start to look for a different plan for the child such as Guardianship to a Relative or Adoption.