How do you choose a foster care agency? Should you work with the county or a private agency? Learn more about the options available before you decide.
You have made the decision to become a foster parent, but who should you get licensed through?
Before adopting our daughter, my husband and I were foster parents. Once we made the decision, the research began.
I searched the internet and looked at all of our options.
Before beginning my research, I thought all foster parents worked directly with their local DSS. However, I quickly found that working with a private agency was an option.
I requested information from multiple private agencies, and they would send a packet in the mail or have a representative call.
One actually sent a social worker to our house to answer any questions we had. I am sure that was also their way of making sure we weren’t crazy people too!
We also went to an information session with our county’s foster care program to make sure we made an educated decision.
Every state and county is different and may not offer the option of a private foster care agency, so you will need to see what is available where you live.
But, as I learned when we started looking for an agency, you may have options other than working directly with the county.
County program
Typically, each county has a foster care program that works with the children and families within the area.
Because we went with a private agency, our children were from another county and we had drive over an hour to go to their doctor.
I didn’t mind the travel, but far distances can be hard on wiggly little ones.
Foster families that work directly with their county will care from children in the same area, so transport to visits and appointments are easier.
However, in general, many county social workers have large case loads and are spread very thin.
They may be hard to get a hold of at times, and may not have as many resources as a private agency.
private agency
Children who are placed through a private agency are still assigned a county social worker, but they may be placed outside of their specific county if needed.
A private agency may be a good option if you are looking to work with a specific demographic of children.
For example, some may work with children who need therapeutic care or have special needs.
Also, some private agencies may share your specific values, such as a religious preference.
They also may have more people providing support. In our agency, there was one person in charge of training, one for licensing, multiple social workers, and a few more people who provided support.
We always had someone to reach out to for anything we needed.
Which one is best?
Both the county agency and the private agency have advantages, and they both will vary based on your location.
In our situation, I was grateful for the additional resource provided by our private agency.
Your decision will largely depend on where you live and the options available in your area.
Just know, you have options and you should look into them before taking the leap.
Whichever path you choose, make sure you do your research and make an educated decision.
Try to talk to families in your are who have worked with both a private agency and the county. If you don’t know anyone personally, see if there is a foster care Facebook group for your area.
Also, in our area, both types of programs did not cost anything, except for things we needed to buy to pass our home study like a fire extinguisher.
Whichever path you choose, make sure you do your research and make an educated decision.
Have you already started to research in your area?
Share what you have found in the comments below to help others who may just be starting their journey.
Leave a Reply