You can help make sure children are safe and well cared for while they can’t be at home and support parents as they work towards safely reunifying with their children.
When reunification is not possible, you may get the opportunity to provide a permanent home for a child in your care.
The Need for Foster Parents
We need families for children of all ages and experiences, including:
- Infants, toddlers, young children & teens
- Children with complex medical or developmental needs
- LGBTQ youth
- Sibling groups
Learn about the specialized types of foster families we're looking for.
The more qualified foster families we have in every community, the easier it is to keep children and youth in their own communities and schools. This is important for their educational stability.
Who Can Apply
To foster a child in DCF custody, you:
- Must be at least 21 years old
- Can be single, married, living with a partner, or joined through a civil union
- Must meet the licensing requirements for foster homes in Vermont
You can apply to provide foster care for a specific child you know or for any child in need.
Applications are considered regardless of disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity/expression, race, religion, or sexual orientation.
Learn More
Licensing Regulations for Foster Homes
Provide Foster Care Fact Sheet
Provide Respite Care Fact Sheet
Resource Guide for Foster & Kinship Foster Families
Video about foster care in Vermont
Video about how having to change schools affects kids in foster care
Get The Process Started
- Complete this short Foster Care Inquiry Form OR
- Call your local Family Services District Office and ask for the Resource Coordinator
Join a team that's dedicated to protecting children and supporting families!