Foster Care FAQs
What is foster care?
Foster care provides temporary care for children and adolescents who cannot safely remain in their homes. The primary goal is always reunification with a child’s biological family when possible. In some cases, when reunification is no longer an option, adoption may become the permanency goal.
What is therapeutic foster care?
Therapeutic foster care serves children who need additional structure and support due to trauma, emotional challenges, medical needs, or behavioral concerns. Foster parents receive enhanced training, therapeutic services, and ongoing professional support.
Who does Gateway Children's Services serve?
- Teenagers
- Medically complex children
- Sibling groups
- Children with emotional or behavioral needs
- Pregnant or parenting teens
- Children with developmental delays
What ages are most common in foster care?
While children of all ages enter care, most referrals are for children ages 6 and older, with an average referral age between 12–18 years old. This often coincides with increased school involvement, where concerns are more likely to be identified.
Are babies available for Fostering or Adoption?
We receive referrals for infants; however, they often have complex medical needs or are placed with older siblings. Families primarily interested in fostering or adopting infants may also consider working directly with the Kentucky Department of Community Based Services (DCBS).
Where is the greatest need?
The greatest need is for families willing to foster:
- Teenagers
- Children with special medical, developmental, or emotional needs
Teens in foster care are especially underserved and need families willing to offer stability, encouragement, and guidance, sometimes for the first time in their lives.
What is the difference between fostering through Gateway versus the state?
Children served by private agencies like Gateway typically need more intensive services than those placed directly through the state.
Gateway provides:
- Therapeutic services
- Ongoing in-home support
- 24/7 crisis response
- Dedicated case management
Services are often not available directly through state placements.
How does fostering-to-adopt work?
When a child enters foster care, the initial goal is reunification. If the court later determines reunification is not in the child’s best interest, parental rights may be terminated and the goal may shift to adoption.
In many cases, the foster family caring for the child is considered first for adoption. Timelines vary and are guided by the court and the child’s individual circumstances.
Do foster parents receive financial reimbursement?
Yes. Foster parents receive a monthly reimbursement to help cover the cost of caring for a child. Rates vary based on the child’s age and level of need.
Is childcare covered?
Gateway does not directly pay childcare fees. However, our competitive per diem rates may help offset related costs.
Who can become a foster parent?
Foster parents come from many walks of life. You may:
- Be single or married
- Rent or own your home
- Have children or not
What matters most is your ability to provide a safe, stable, and nurturing environment.
Basic Requirements to Foster
To become a foster parent, you must:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Live in Kentucky (within 1.5 hours of Mount Sterling)
- Have adequate living space
- Be financially stable
- Be in reasonably good health
- Have reliable transportation
- Pass background checks
- Complete required training (about 30 hours)
- Pass a home safety inspection
- Complete and receive approval for a home study
What about respite foster care?
Respite foster parents provide short-term care when full-time foster families need a break.
Key differences:
- No training requirement
- Must meet all safety and approval standards
- Must not rely on foster care reimbursement as income
Why do children need foster care?
Children may enter foster care due to:
- Family illness or death
- Substance use
- Abuse or neglect
- School or behavioral concerns
- Unsafe living environments
Every situation is different, but children are never at fault.
Does my home need specific requirements?
Yes, but most requirements reflect basic safety and common-sense standards. These include:
- Safe sleeping arrangements
- Working utilities and appliances
- Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
- Secure storage of medications, alcohol, and firearms
- Vaccinated household pets
- Adequate space, heating, and sanitation
Our team walks you through every step - nothing is expected without guidance.
How do I get started?
The first step is simply starting a conversation.
- Complete the foster parent interest form or contact our foster care team
- Schedule an in-home orientation
- Begin the application, training, and home study process
📞 859.390.3080
📧 fostercare@gatewaychildren.org
How long is the certification process?
Certification timelines vary. Some families complete the process in as little as 8 weeks, while others take longer based on availability and scheduling.
Why choose Gateway Children’s Services?
Foster parents choose Gateway because of our:
- Responsive, same-day support
- 24/7 crisis availability (emergency response within 30 minutes)
- In-home case management
- On-staff therapist who comes to your home
- Ongoing training and education
- Respite care options
Becoming a foster parent is a big decision. We encourage you to ask questions, meet with our team, and explore whether fostering is right for you - no pressure, just conversation.
Gateway Children’s Services
37 North Maysville Street
Mount Sterling, KY 40353
📞 859.390.3080
📧 fostercare@gatewaychildren.org
🌐 GatewayChildrensServices.org
