Why Foster in North carolina? 

North Carolina has a significant need for qualified and dedicated foster parents. As of May 30, 2023, there were approximately 11,000 children in foster care in the state, according to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Jordan Institute for Families.

Unfortunately, there has been a decrease of almost 1,000 foster homes in North Carolina since 2019. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services attributes this decline to factors such as families retiring from fostering, adopting, medical concerns, and the lasting impacts of COVID-19 on the ability to license new foster homes.

By becoming a foster parent in North Carolina, with Bair as your partner through the journey, you can help address this critical need and make a positive impact on the lives of children who desperately need stability, love, and support.

Who can Foster in North carolina?

The requirements to become a foster parent in North Carolina are designed to ensure that children are placed in safe, stable, and loving homes. To qualify, you must:

• Be at least 21 years old
• Pass background checks and home inspections
• Complete required training
• Have sufficient income to meet your household’s needs
• Be in good physical and mental health
• Have adequate space in your home for a child

It’s important to note that you don’t have to be married or own a home to become a foster parent. Single individuals, couples, and families who rent their homes are all welcome to apply.

The licensing process

To become a licensed foster parent in North Carolina, you’ll need to complete the following steps:

1. Attend an orientation session with The Bair Foundation to learn more about the fostering process and requirements.
2. Complete the application and background checks.
3. Participate in a home study, which includes interviews and home visits.
4. Complete the required training, which typically involves 30 hours of trauma-informed courses.
5. Obtain your license!

The licensing process usually takes several months to complete, but the time and effort are well worth it when you consider the incredible impact you can have on a child’s life.

types of Foster care

North Carolina Bair offers several types of foster care placements, including:

• Traditional foster care: Providing a temporary home for a child until they can safely return to their birth family or be placed for adoption.
• Kinship care: Caring for a child who is related to you or has a close relationship with your family.
• Therapeutic foster care: Providing specialized care for children with significant emotional, behavioral, or medical needs.
• Respite care: Offering short-term care for children to give their regular foster parents a break.

No matter which type of foster care you choose, you’ll receive ongoing training, support, and financial assistance to help you meet the needs of the children in your care. As your network of support Bair will be with you when you need it most. 

the rewards of Fostering

While fostering comes with its share of challenges, the rewards are immeasurable. As a foster parent, you have the opportunity to: Provide a safe, loving home for a child in need. Help children heal from trauma and develop healthy coping skills. Support birth families in their efforts to reunify with their children. Create lifelong bonds with the children in your care. Make a lasting difference in your community!

From a Bair parent in North Carolina, “I can honestly say that fostering has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. Seeing a child blossom and thrive under your care is a feeling like no other.” 

faqs about Fostering in North carolina

How much do you get paid for fostering a child in NC?

Foster parents in North Carolina receive a monthly stipend to help cover the costs of caring for a child. The amount varies based on the child’s age and needs, but typically ranges from $475 to $634 per month.

What are the requirements to be a foster parent in NC?

To become a foster parent in North Carolina, you must be at least 21 years old, pass background checks and home inspections, complete required training, have sufficient income to meet your household’s needs, be in good physical and mental health, and have adequate space in your home for a child.

How long does it take to get a foster care license in NC?

The licensing process usually takes several months to complete, as it involves orientation, application, background checks, home study, and training. But it can be done in as few as three months.

Can you claim foster child on taxes in NC?

Yes, foster parents in North Carolina may be eligible for tax benefits, such as the federal adoption tax credit and the state’s child tax credit. It’s best to consult with a tax professional to understand your specific situation.

You can be the change – become a foster parent

Right now, in your own community, children are waiting for someone to say “yes.” Someone who will believe in them, nurture them, and provide them safety. Maybe that someone is you.

Becoming a foster parent in North Carolina isn’t just about giving a child a place to live. It’s about giving them a reason to hope. Take the first step. Connect with Bair, attend an information session, talk to someone who has walked this path, say “yes” when others say no.

Because the moment you say “yes,” everything changes for you, and for them. Start your journey today, here!