Foster Care Isn't Just a System
Foster Care is a Lifeline
Every child deserves a safe, stable home. Children enter foster care when their safety is at risk. Some have been neglected or abused; others come from families facing crisis. Too often, kids move from home to home, struggle in school, and feel unsure about their future. Foster families change that story—offering stability, belonging, and a chance to heal.
Foster Care at a Glance
Children in foster care are just like any other kids—with hopes, fears, and the need for belonging. They come from all ages and backgrounds. While some need short-term care, others may remain in foster homes for months or years. Whenever possible, siblings are placed together.
The goal is to give youth a safe and loving family life during their time in foster care where they are offered safety, stability and connection as all children should have.
Who Are the Children in Foster Care?
Children in foster care are just like any other kids—with hopes, fears, and the need for belonging. They come from all ages and backgrounds. While some need short-term care, others may remain in foster homes for months or years. Whenever possible, siblings are placed together.
The goal is to give youth a safe and loving family life during their time in foster care where they are offered safety, stability and connection as all children should have.
Foster families come in all shapes and sizes. You can be single or married, with or without children of your own, living in a house or an apartment. The key requirement is simple: a safe, stable environment and the willingness to open your home.
Getting started involves background checks, 30 hours of state-approved training, and safety inspections. From there, our team helps you identify the placements that best match your strengths and family life.
Interested in Becoming a Foster Parent?
Foster families come in all shapes and sizes. You can be single or married, with or without children of your own, living in a house or an apartment. The key requirement is simple: a safe, stable environment and the willingness to open your home.
Getting started involves background checks, 30 hours of state-approved training, and safety inspections. From there, our team helps you identify the placements that best match your strengths and family life.
Support for Families
Fostering can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. O’Connell Children’s Shelter walks alongside you with:
• Licensing and training to prepare your home
• Monthly stipends and medical coverage for each child
• Ongoing case management and professional resources
• 24/7 crisis support when challenges arise
The Littlest Things Can Make the Biggest Difference
FAQ about Foster Care
Here are some frequently asked questions about foster care. If you're interested in becoming a foster parent, please reach out!
Adults aged 21 or older can apply to foster. You can be single or married, with or without children of your own, living in a house or apartment. What matters most is providing a safe and supportive environment.
Yes, there are applicant requirements. To become a foster parent, you'll meet with our foster care Recruiter and Case Manager to complete DCF paperwork, a background check, home inspection and foster parent support training opportunities. Trainings include MAPP, CPR/First Aid, other important courses/content.
It depends. Some children need care for only a few days; others may remain for months or years. On average, children stay in foster care about two years while their parents work toward reunification or another permanent plan is found.
Children in foster care often experience instability, school disruptions, and separation from siblings. Many have lived through trauma and need time, patience, and consistency to begin healing. Foster families use training and learned skills to build relationships with their foster children, and assist in the healing and growing process.
O’Connell provides 24/7 crisis support, ongoing case management, monthly stipends, and medical coverage for children in care. You’ll also receive training and professional resources tailored to your family’s needs.
Yes. We work closely with families to match their strengths with the unique needs of each child. This includes emergency placements, sibling groups, children with specialized needs, or long-term care.
Yes. While the primary goal is reunification, some foster placements do lead to adoption when it becomes clear that a child cannot safely return home.
Every Child Deserves a Chance
You Can Help!
Whether you’re ready to open your home or support those who do, your involvement changes lives for children in need.
