Foster Care in the Dallas, Fort Worth, Denton & Surrounding Counties

Fostering Children in Your Home

A foster home is a temporary family for children who were removed from an abusive or neglectful situation. Kids First has a contract with the State of Texas to verify foster homes, supporting you each step of the way.

Kids First has a contract with the State of Texas to verify foster homes. A foster home is a temporary family for children who were removed from an abusive or neglectful situation.

All of our children have been removed from an abusive or neglectful situation by Child Protective Services. Kids First screens and verifies homes willing to care for the child(ren) on a short-term basis. The time frame can be as short as a few days up to one year. By being a foster parent, you can help many children and leave a lasting positive impact on their little lives. Yes, your heart may be broken once they leave your home. We need mission-minded people who are willing to have their hearts broken for a precious, vulnerable child.

Foster Care with Kids First: A Chance to Make a Difference

Every child deserves a safe, loving home. At Kids First, we work with individuals and families ready to open their hearts and homes to children in need of temporary care. As a licensed Child Placing Agency contracted with the State of Texas, we are here to support you every step of the way.

What is Foster Care?

Foster care is a temporary arrangement for children and youth who have been removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect, or unsafe living conditions. All of our children are referred by Child Protective Services (CPS) and need a secure, nurturing environment to begin thier healing journey.

A foster home offers a safe place — sometimes for a few days, sometimes for a year — while biological families work toward reunification, or while other long-term solutions are considered.

Why Foster?

In 2022 alone, over 245,000 cases of child abuse and neglect were reported in Texas. More than 207,000 of those cases were deemed serious enough for a CPS response. These are not just numbers — they represent children in our communities who need immediate care and stability.

By fostering, you become part of a child’s healing journey and part of a bigger mission to help restore families and rewrite futures. Many foster parents say it’s one of the most rewarding decisions they’ve ever made.

Who Can Be a Foster Parent?

If you have a heart for children, a stable home, and a willingness to work as a team with a foster care agency — you’re already on the right track. Foster parents come from all walks of life: single, married, with or without children of their own.

Basic Requirements:

• Be a responsible, healthy adult (21+ years old)

• Have a stable source of income

• Reliable transportation

• Married or single (if divorced, must be divorced for at least 6 months)

How to Become a Foster Parent

Our process is thorough — not complicated. We’re here to guide you each step of the way.

Steps to Becoming a Verified Foster Family:

1. Attend an Orientation

2. Complete an Application

3. Pass Background Checks

4. Complete Training Provided by Kids First

5. Pass Fire and Health Inspections of Your Home

6. Provide Required Documentation

7. Complete a Home Study with One of Our Specialists

Where Foster Care Happens

Foster care takes place in everyday homes — just like yours. With the full support of Kids First as your licensed foster care agency, you’ll receive training, resources, and 24/7 support to confidently care for the child placed in your home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to own a home or be married to foster?

No! You can rent, own, be single or married — what matters most is a stable, loving environment.

How long will a child stay with me?

Placement length varies. It could be a few days, several months, or up to a year, depending on the child’s situation.

What support will I receive from Kids First?

We provide comprehensive training, 24/7 on-call support, regular check-ins, and respite care when needed. You’re never alone.

What if I become too attached?

Getting attached is natural — and it’s a sign that you’re doing it right. The love you offer may be exactly what that child needs to take the next step in their life journey.

Ready to Take the First Step?

If you’re curious about fostering or ready to begin your journey, we’d love to connect with you. Reach out today to schedule an orientation or speak with someone from our team.

Together, we can help every child find safety, support, and the love they deserve.