Be part of the change
Comprehensive support to foster care families
Share Love
Instill Hope
Give Mercy
It’s Never Easy but Always Worth it
We know that if you are considering becoming a foster parent there is one question you find yourself asking – can I really do this? You have all the heart to give, but your head has some concerns.
Am I cut out for this? Do I have what it takes to be a good parent to a child experiencing trauma? Is it really worth the risk?
All of your questions are normal. We understand the rollercoaster of emotions and thoughts that come with considering becoming a foster parent. We have stood exactly where you are. Parenting is hard on its own. Parenting someone else’s child through fostering is a whole different level.
But we know from experience, it is always worth it.
Start by having a no-pressure question-answering conversation with one of our team members.
It’s Never Easy but Always Worth it
We know that if you are considering becoming a foster parent there is one question you find yourself asking – can I really do this? You have all the heart to give, but your head has some concerns.
Am I cut out for this? Do I have what it takes to be a good parent to a child experiencing trauma? Is it really worth the risk?
All of your questions are normal. We understand the rollercoaster of emotions and thoughts that come with considering becoming a foster parent. We have stood exactly where you are. Parenting is hard on its own. Parenting someone else’s child through fostering is a whole different level.
But we know from experience, it is always worth it.
Start by having a no-pressure question-answering conversation with one of our team members.
You Are Never Alone
Walking alongside you every step of the way with clarity, mercy, and love.
Comprehensive Training
From the moment you say yes, we are right beside you. Our team of foster care experts will guide you through the formal application process. We will equip you with trauma-based training and resources so you understand and can implement healthy interventions that bring healing to a vulnerable child.
Purposeful Placement
Fostering is more than a child in a bed. It’s giving each child an environment to truly thrive. We will get to know you so that we can best identify the type of child who will most flourish in your home. And we will have honest conversations with you during the placement process, so you can feel confident saying yes to the right child.
Constant Support
We won’t sugarcoat it – fostering is hard. But the NMO community will be there for you 24/7. With numerous support resources, a connected community of foster families, and a 24/7 crisis hotline you will always have someone in your corner.
Bridget & Jeffrey Elam
Plan
How to Become a Foster Parent with New Mercy Outreach
Learn
License
Love
Open your home and your heart to provide the love, support, and safety that changes a child’s life forever.
Services
When you join our family at New Mercy Outreach, you can count on:
Community
Sometimes all we need to hear is “you’re not alone. You can do this.” Our foster family community is here for one another.
Prayer
As a faith-based organization, we bathe our foster families in prayer every single day.
Advocacy
You will never have to worry if we have your back, no matter the circumstance.
Training
Receive continual training and access to trauma-informed resources to help you be the best foster parent you can be.
Support
Whether you need a word of encouragement, advice in a difficult moment, or the ability to go on a date night, our team is here to support you in it all.
Practical
Resources
As a foster parent you will receive access to essential resources like health insurance for your foster child, a dedicated case worker to provide guidance, and financial support to help offset food and other costs. New Mercy also provides one-time vouchers for clothes if items can’t be found in the clothing closet.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be married to be a foster parent?
No you don’t have to be married and your sexual orientation does not hinder you from becoming a foster parent.
How much are the birth parents involved in the process?
Many foster children have visits with their biological family. Those visits are scheduled at a 3rd party location and supervised by DCFS. We ask that foster parents transport their foster child to these visits if they are within the county. If the visit is outside of county limits, transportation will be provided.
Can I work full-time and be a foster parent?
You can work a full-time job and still be a great foster parent. We advise having a strong support system you can rely on to help when needed.
Do I have to have a separate bedroom for a foster child to be placed in my home?
Boys and girls must sleep in separate bedrooms if they are 5 years and older.
What is the difference between foster care and adoption?
Foster care is a place for children to live temporarily with the goal of living with their biological parents again, while adoption means going through the process of making a child your own.
How long are typical foster placements?
Every child and their story is different. The amount of time for each placement will vary depending on the situation.
Can I foster if I have a record?
Everyone 18 and older who lives in the home the foster child will be staying need to have a background, child neglect and abuse check. If you have questions or concerns about any incidents in the past you think may disqualify you from becoming a foster parent, reach out to us.
Can I foster with a child who may have a record but the foster parent record is clear?
Yes.
Can I adopt a foster child?
If a foster child does become available for adoption, it is possible to adopt that child.
Do I have to own my own home?
Owning a home is not required to have foster children, all that is needed is plenty of space for the children and their belongings.
How long will it take to complete the licensing process?
Depending on the licensure, 30 to 45 hours of training classes will be completed. There will be reimbursement for the time spent taking these courses. There is paperwork that can be completed while in those classes and then a home study is completed at the home.