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Special families,

supported on all sides

Teamwork from day one

With your extra commitment comes extra support. The families that open their homes and their hearts to make a difference in a young person’s life are supported every step of the way with extra training, extra financial support and around-the-clock access to a passionate group of professionals, mentors and peers committed to standing with you.

When you foster with a Foster Plus agency, you’ll be part of a team of care that includes:

A local agency with expertise in supporting families like yours

Specialized training to prepare you to care for kids with higher needs

Frequent and regular visits and communication with a team dedicated to providing custom care and wraparound support

24/7 access to support staff such as case managers and counselors

Breaks when you need them, with 48 hours off per month thanks to relief parents

Extra financial support starting at $1,400 per month

Connect with our team to learn more

Connect with our team to learn more

How to prepare: top tips
Connecting with Foster Plus

Foster Plus is an effort of 11 foster agencies throughout Oregon that work with young people in need of extra support. If you’re interested in fostering, your first step is to contact us. We'll be in touch soon with helpful information about application process and what's involved in fostering.

Understanding the certification process

To prepare families and ensure we’re placing kids in homes where they can heal and grow, the certification process involves several steps and typically takes between six weeks and four months. During this time, key steps include training, paperwork, meetings with your support team, a background check and a home inspection. Download our information sheet to learn more.

Talking to your partner about becoming a foster parent

Deciding to become a foster parent is a major commitment, and it’s normal for one partner to be enthusiastic and the other to have doubts. If your partner does not feel ready, these tips can help you start a dialogue about why you want to foster—and may lead to a change of heart:

  • Understand why you want to foster and what it may mean for your family. It may be helpful to write down what’s motivating you or to create a list of pros and cons. Discuss your reasoning with your partner.
  • Talk to other families who’ve made this decision. They may have wisdom to share or advice on getting started.
  • Break the process down into small steps. For example, rather than asking your partner to commit to becoming foster parents now, see if they would like to attend an information session to learn more. Relief care may also be a good option for families not ready to commit to fostering full time.
  • Listen to your partner, be patient and try to understand their point of view. Remember that it may take time for your partner to come around to the idea.
Talk to your friends and family about supporting you as a foster parent

When you become a foster parent, your life will change. You’ll have less free time and may need to cancel plans at the last minute to provide extra care for the kid you’re fostering. It’s important to talk to your friends and family about this major life change and to find people close to you who can support you in your fostering journey.

You may also want to build connections with other foster parents in your community. Look for support groups online and in your area, and ask your local agency if they can connect you with other families. 

What you can do if you aren’t quite ready to become a foster parent

If you’re not quite ready to foster, there are lots of ways to help kids in need. Consider becoming a relief parent and caring for foster kids for a night or two at a time. You can also donate to or volunteer with your local agency.

Circle of Support

Learn about our team of care and the support at every turn. You’re more ready than you think. 

Interested in learning more about fostering?
Receive helpful information on how to get started.

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Ask us a question
  • What are the basic qualifications to become a foster parent?
  • What type of financial compensation will I get as a foster parent? 
  • Do I receive training before a young person is placed in my home?
  • Do I get a say in which kids are placed with me?
  • How long will the kid stay in my home?
  • What happens if I have an issue with a child in my home?
  • How long does it take to get certified?
  • Do I get breaks as a foster parent?
  • What are the basic qualifications to become a foster parent?

    To foster with a Foster Plus agency, you must meet the following basic requirements:

    • At least 21 years old
    • Can pass a background check
    • Can demonstrate financial independence (families cannot be dependent upon the foster care stipend)
    • Complete orientation and pre-certification training, and maintain certification through continued education and training
    • Reliable transportation
    • At least one driver over the age of 21 with a valid Oregon driver’s license
    • Separate bedroom with a door and a window for the foster kid placed in your home

    Local agencies may have additional requirements beyond those listed here. Contact your local agency to learn more.

  • What type of financial compensation will I get as a foster parent? 

    Foster Plus agencies provide foster parents a stipend starting at $1,400/month. The stipend varies among agencies and based on the needs of each kid. It’s used to cover costs such as food, transportation, clothing, utility bills and activities.

  • Do I receive training before a young person is placed in my home?

    Yes. All families must go through a certification process before qualifying. Training is an important part of this process, and you’ll receive specialized training to make sure you’re ready to address the young person’s specific needs. Download our information sheet to learn more about the training and support you'll receive.

  • Do I get a say in which kids are placed with me?

    The placement process is a team effort, and your local agency's staff will work to understand which young people will be the best fit for your family. During the certification process, your certifier will work with you to determine your strengths, helping to ensure a successful match with each placement.

  • How long will the kid stay in my home?

    In general, you should expect the kid to stay in your home for six months to two years.

  • What happens if I have an issue with a child in my home?

    Support staff are available around the clock to help you with any issues that may arise. You’ll receive a list of contacts and are encouraged to reach out any time. In addition, you’ll receive specialized training to help you address a number of specific situations.

  • How long does it take to get certified?

    The certification process usually takes between six weeks and four months, but this can vary among local agencies. Download our information sheet to learn more.

  • Do I get breaks as a foster parent?

    Yes. Part-time foster parents are available to care for your foster kid when you need a break. You’ll have at least 48 hours off each month. Breaks can be two nights in a row or a few hours at a time, depending on what you need.

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Select your county
oregon-map BAKER WASCO BENTON CLACKAMAS CLATSOP COLUMBIA COOS CROOK CURRY DOUGLAS DESCHUTES HOOD RIVER HARNEY GRANT GILLIAM JEFFERSON LINN LAKE LINCOLN JACKSON JOSEPHINE KLAMATH LANE MULTNOMAH MORROW MARION MALHEUR UNION UMATILLA TILLAMOOK SHERMAN POLK WALLOWA WASHINGTON YAMHILL WHEELER