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What is relief care?

With relief care, you provide care for foster kids on a temporary basis – just a day or two at a time. Relief parents support full-time foster parents, giving them time off when they need it and helping to ensure Oregon's foster kids receive the best possible care. Relief parents can also provide care for a kid who is waiting for a local agency to find a longer-term home.

Relief care is a way to make a difference in the lives of young people, with a lower commitment than full-time fostering.



"What do I love best? The connection with the kids, the moments we share and the feeling that I'm helping them reach their potential. It fills my heart. I can't think of a more fulfilling way to spend my time."


– CARMEN, RELIEF PARENT

What's Involved

As a relief parent, you'll be a part of a team supporting Oregon's foster kids and families. Here's what's involved:

  • Specialized training to prepare you to care for kids with higher needs
  • 24/7 access to support staff such as case managers and counselors
  • Certification and background checks to make sure you and your family are a good fit
  • Financial support starting at $45 per day
  • Flexible scheduling based on your family's availability

Interested in learning more about Relief Care?
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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