What Does It Mean to Be a Foster Parent in Texas?
“Fostering means being a stable, caring presence in a child’s world. You’re the one who hears them, supports them, and shows them their worth. The impact you make lasts a lifetime—for them and for you.” – Jennifer Maldonado, Texas State Director

Becoming a foster parent in Texas is one of the most meaningful decisions you can make. Foster parents step into a child’s life during an uncertain season, becoming:

• A source of stability when a child’s world feels turned upside down.
• An advocate in schools, medical appointments, and court hearings.
• A safe place where children can heal, grow, and feel loved.

The ultimate goal of foster care is often reunification, helping children safely return to their biological families when possible. Even if your role is temporary, your impact can last a lifetime.

Faith and the Calling to Foster
For many families, the decision to foster comes from a sense of calling. Scripture reminds us:

“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress.” — James 1:27

When you open your home through foster care, you’re living out God’s love in a tangible way. It’s a ministry of the heart and through The Bair Foundation’s Christ-centered approach, you’ll find the encouragement and support to walk out that calling faithfully.

“Fostering isn’t just important, it’s life-changing. For a child who feels alone, your willingness to open your home can mean safety, hope, and the chance to start again. Your yes truly matters.” – Jacqueline Cassel, Director of Recruiting in Dallas

Requirements to Become a Foster Parent in Texas
To ensure children are placed in safe and nurturing homes, the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) sets clear guidelines. The Bair Foundation walks with you through each requirement so that the process feels manageable and rewarding.

To become a foster parent in Texas, you must:

• Be at least 21 years old
• Be single, married, or widowed — all family types are welcome
• Demonstrate financial stability (you don’t have to be wealthy)
• Provide a safe, clean home with adequate space for a child
• Pass criminal background and abuse/neglect checks for all adults in the home
• Be in good physical and emotional health, verified by a doctor
• Have reliable transportation
• Complete foster parent training and a home study with The Bair Foundation

These steps aren’t about perfection, they’re about creating a safe, nurturing environment where children can thrive.

The Foster Care Process in Texas with The Bair Foundation
Wondering what the process looks like? Here’s a simple overview of how The Bair Foundation supports you from start to finish:

1. Connect with The Bair Foundation

Reach out to one of our Texas offices to attend an informational session. You’ll learn about the children who need homes, ask questions, and explore whether fostering is right for you.

2. Application and Paperwork

Complete an application, provide references, and share key documents. This step officially begins your foster care journey.

3. Home Study

A Bair caseworker visits your home to talk with your family, review your space, and ensure safety standards are met. This process is collaborative and supportive, not intimidating.

4. Pre-Service Training

Texas requires foster parents to complete pre-service training. With Bair, you’ll learn about trauma-informed care, behavior management, and how to nurture children from hard places. You’ll also meet other new foster parents who are beginning the same journey.

5. Licensing and Placement

Once your training and home study are complete, you’ll be licensed as a foster parent. From there, Bair carefully matches children to families, ensuring the best possible fit for both.

Types of Foster care in texas

Every child’s story and needs are different. The Bair Foundation offers several types of foster care across Texas, including:

• Traditional Foster Care: For children who need a stable, loving home while their families work toward reunification.
• Therapeutic Foster Care (also called Professional Treatment Foster Care): For children who have experienced significant trauma or emotional challenges and require additional care and structure. Bair provides extra training and higher reimbursement rates for these placements.
• Sibling Group Placements: To help brothers and sisters stay together.
• Teen and Young Adult Foster Care: For older youth preparing for independence.
• Kinship Care: When relatives or close family friends open their homes to children they already know and love.

Each form of foster care makes a life-changing difference!

Support and Financial Assistance for Foster Parents
While foster parenting is led by compassion, financial support helps ensure every child’s needs are met. As a licensed foster parent in Texas, you’ll receive:

• A daily stipend to cover food, clothing, and other essentials
• Healthcare coverage for foster children through state insurance
• Ongoing training and support groups to strengthen your skills and community
• 24/7 support from The Bair Foundation staff

For families fostering through Therapeutic Foster Care, the state provides higher reimbursement rates due to the level of care and training involved.

Frequently Asked Questions About Foster Care in Texas

1. What is Therapeutic Foster Care?

Therapeutic Foster Care (sometimes called Professional Treatment Foster Care) is designed for children who have experienced significant trauma or emotional challenges. These children need extra patience, structure, and specialized care. The Bair Foundation offers advanced trauma-informed training and 24/7 caseworker support to prepare families for this rewarding role.

2. How long does it take to become a foster parent in Texas?

The licensing process usually takes three to six months, depending on your schedule and how quickly requirements are completed. The Bair Foundation team works closely with you to help move things along smoothly and efficiently.

3. Can I choose the age or gender of the child I foster?

Yes. During your home study and conversations with your Bair caseworker, you’ll discuss the age range, gender, and needs you feel best equipped to support. We aim to make placements that are a good fit for both you and the child.

4. Do I have to own my home to foster?

No. You can foster while renting or owning your home. The main requirement is that your home meets safety and space standards outlined by the State of Texas. The Bair Foundation will guide you through those requirements during your home study.

5. What if I’m not sure if I’m ready to foster yet?

That’s okay! Many families begin by attending an information session to learn more. There’s no commitment — just a chance to ask questions and explore whether fostering might be right for you. You can also consider respite care (temporary, short-term care) as a way to support foster families while you learn more about the process.

6. How do I get started with The Bair Foundation in Texas?

Simply contact your nearest Bair Foundation office or visit www.bair.org to fill out an interest form. Our Texas staff will reach out, answer your questions, and help you take the next step toward fostering.

Answer God’s Call: Become a Foster Parent in Texas
Every child deserves safety, stability, and love. By becoming a foster parent in Texas with The Bair Foundation, you can answer God’s call and bring hope to children in need.

It’s a journey that will stretch you, change you, and bless you in ways you can’t imagine.

Take the first step today and contact your local Bair Foundation office in Texas to learn more about how to become a foster parent.