Finding the Right Foster Care Agency CAN be Easier

There are over 8,000 children in out of home placements in Kentucky. If you are a family interested in exploring becoming a foster home we hope this website makes the process of finding your agency easier. First, you are needed!

Foster care agencies across Kentucky recognized a common challenge facing prospective foster parents: With so many agencies, how do I know where to begin? Which agency is the right fit for my family?

Too often, families interested in fostering become overwhelmed and step away before they even begin the process. Kentucky’s foster care agencies came together to change that by forming the Foster Kentucky Collaborative (FKC). One community, bringing together regions across Kentucky. Multiple agencies. One shared commitment to recruit safe, supportive homes for our children in foster care. Together we can do more than we can alone.

Our mission is to break silos and strengthen collaboration among public and private foster care agencies across the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Together, we work to increase awareness of the need for foster families and simplify access to information about becoming a foster parent.

Every foster family begins with taking one step. Take yours because every child deserves a family.

Through centralized resources and collaborative outreach, prospective foster families can: learn about participating agencies; understand and compare services; explore different fostering opportunities; and connect directly with the agency that best fits their interests, needs, and family.

Kentucky’s children need safe, caring, and supportive foster families. You could make a meaningful difference in a child’s life. We hope this website helps you navigate the foster care system with confidence, understand your options, and find the path that is right for your family.

Foster Kentucky Collaborative (FKC)- Board Member Agencies

Our mission focuses on the care and support of children and families, we collaborate with local, state, and federal policymakers to strengthen our systems and cultivate a community that provides for the well-being of its members.

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We combine innovative tools, evidence-based practices and a full continuum of trauma-responsive solutions to support and empower clients on their journey to healing.

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Our mission is to improve the lives of children with incarcerated parents and vulnerable children by providing loving, nurturing, and stable home environments.

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We provide safe and stable living environment as we work to build the tools to support permanency through reunification whenever possible.

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We provide inclusive and compassionate care to ensure a safe home and bright future for every child in our diverse community.

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Regional Collaborations

Understanding the Foster Care System (Public or Private)

As a prospective foster family, one way to begin is to identify if a public or private foster care agency fits the needs of your family.

The Kentucky Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) manages the state’s foster care and adoption systems, overseeing placement, support, and training for thousands of children in out-of-home care. DCBS is public or state run foster care.

DCBS contracts with licensed private foster care agencies throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Private agencies work alongside DCBS to recruit, train, certify, and support foster families. The agencies in this collaborative are private foster care agencies.

Together, public and private agencies form a network dedicated to providing safe and loving homes for children.

Keep Learning More

The good news is that you do not need to understand the entire system before taking the first step.
Start by learning about foster care agencies in your area. You can contact the agencies listed on this website! Narrow down your options to two or three and start their inquiry process.
When you meet with each agency, ask questions about their training process, support services, expectations, and the types of placements they provide.
Finding the right agency is much like finding the right school, employer, or healthcare provider, it should be a good fit for your family's needs and values.
Each licensed foster care agency is approved by the state and must meet strict regulations and standards. While all agencies share the same goal of serving children, they often differ in:
- Geographic service areas
- Types of children and families they serve
- Training and support models
- Specialized services and expertise
- Availability of staff and resources
Some agencies focus on therapeutic foster care, some specialize in medically complex children, and others provide services for specific populations or regions. Because every foster family is unique, having multiple agencies allows families to find the best fit for their circumstances and goals.
If you have ever considered becoming a foster parent, you may have quickly become overwhelmed by the number of agencies, websites, requirements, and different messages about how to get started.
You may have found yourself asking:
“Why are there so many foster care agencies?”
“Which agency should I choose?”
“Where do I even start?”
You are not alone. Understanding a little about how Kentucky’s foster care system works can make the process much easier to navigate.
Public vs. Private Foster Care
The Kentucky Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) is responsible for helping ensure the safety and well-being of children who enter foster care. DCBS represents Kentucky’s public, or state-run, foster care system.
However, the needs of children and families are greater and more diverse than one system can address alone. Kentucky also utilizes licensed private foster care agencies to provide foster homes and services for children.
A good first step is deciding whether you would prefer to foster through:
- DCBS — the public/state foster care system, or
- A licensed private foster care agency.
How Do I Decide?
Start by learning about the differences between public and private foster care. DCBS provides a website regarding public foster care. This website links you to foster care agencies in your region.
As you research your options, pay attention to differences such as:
- Ages of children served
- Types of placements
- Emergency or planned placements
- Geographic service areas
- Populations or needs the agency specializes
These differences can be helpful in narrowing down your specific options. They allow you to identify the type of fostering that may be the best fit for your family, your abilities, and the children you feel most prepared to support.
Aren’t All Foster Care Agencies the Same?
No. While public and private foster care agencies must follow applicable state requirements and standards, agencies may serve different populations and provide different levels of support.
Depending on the children and families they serve, an agency may offer additional support and programs.
Once you have narrowed down the type of foster care that interests you, take the second step and talk with several agencies. Ask questions. Learn about the children they serve and the support they provide.
Becoming a foster parent is a significant decision. The goal is to find the right fit for you, your family, and the children you hope to serve.