Central Texas Foster Care
Children from all backgrounds enter the foster care system in Central Texas, many bearing the scars of trauma. Foster parents open their homes and hearts – helping children heal, trust, and hope again. Children in care range in age from birth to 21, mostly school-aged. Most enter foster care due to abuse or neglect, while others exhibit behavioral disorders. We strive to keep sibling groups together and in their home community. Whatever their story, each child in foster care needs a safe place to stay and a family to provide for their emotional, educational, medical, and special behavioral needs.
Is there room in your life to foster a child?
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![A woman wearing a hat and plaid shirt is smiling as she sits behind a young girl in a pink polka dot dress. Both appear to be enjoying a ride, with the sun setting in the background. The woman's long hair is being blown by the wind.](https://saintfrancisministries.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Texas-Map-Mask-e1702051316635.webp)
Can I be a foster parent in Central Texas?
YES! By meeting the following requirements and making the decision to open up your heart and your home, you can bring hope to a child in Texas that needs you:
- Be 21 years of age or older
- Take 30 hours of pre-service training
- Pass criminal and child welfare clearance checks
- Have a source of income other than foster care reimbursement
- Own or rent a residence that meets all state requirements
- Be willing to work as part of a professional team
“We just always remember to extend mercy and grace and love to our foster kids.”
Linda Cantu
Saint Francis Foster Parent
![A joyful family sitting together on a couch with parents playing with their two children featuring a toddler and an older girl, in a cozy living room.](https://saintfrancisministries.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Happy-family-sitting-on-the-couch.jpg)
Frequently Asked Questions
Foster care is a nurturing and protective system for children from all backgrounds who can’t be with their biological families. Many of these children bear the scars of trauma, having experienced abuse, neglect, or other challenging situations. Our foster care program provides these children with a safe, loving environment where they can begin to heal, trust, and hope again. Our dedicated foster parents play a crucial role in caring for children up to the age of 21, ensuring their emotional, educational, medical, and special behavioral needs are met.
Children in need are placed in the homes of compassionate, state-certified foster parents. These foster parents provide day-to-day care, support, and stability to the children. Our aim is always to work towards the best outcome for each child, which may include reunification with biological families, adoption, or other long-term care solutions. Saint Francis Ministries provides ongoing support and training to foster parents to ensure the best possible care for the children.
To become a foster parent with Saint Francis Ministries, you must be at least 21 years old, pass a background check, complete training sessions, and demonstrate a supportive and safe home environment. Emotional maturity, financial stability, and a willingness to work cooperatively with our agency and professionals are essential. We are committed to supporting our foster parents every step of the way, providing 24/7 assistance, respite care, tax-free compensation, and more.
Across our various states of operation, the number of children in foster care changes. On average, 14 children enter the Saint Francis Ministries Foster Care program each day, highlighting the urgent need for more foster parents. Every child in our care seeks a safe haven and a nurturing environment, and the role of foster parents in providing stability and love during challenging times cannot be overstated.