The licensing process usually takes 4 to 6 months. Once you’re licensed, the time it takes to receive a placement depends on the age, number of children, and specific needs you are open to fostering.

Foster parents receive a monthly stipend from Arizona’s Department of Child Safety (DCS) that should cover the basic needs of the child in their care. The amount of the stipend varies based on the child's individual circumstances. Additionally, the state of Arizona covers medical and dental expenses. A childcare stipend may also be available if needed.

Foster children are placed in care through DCS. DCS works with licensed agencies across the state to find homes that best meet a child’s needs, considering factors like location, case plans, and any special circumstances. Youth in the Unaccompanied Minor Program come from refugee and/or group shelters and are placed directly through Catholic Charities.

There is a need for families to foster infants. However, many infants in foster care are part of larger sibling groups. They have been drug-exposed at birth or born prematurely, requiring extra care and attention. If you're considering fostering an infant, you’ll need to be ready 24/7 for placement and have essentials like a crib, car seat, and baby supplies prepared.

While in foster care, children’s biological parents work with DCS to resolve the issues that led to removal. If parents meet their goals, their children return home. If not, relatives or adoptive families are sought. Foster families may petition to adopt if reunification isn’t possible and it’s in the child’s best interest.

It costs nothing to become a foster parent in Arizona. There are no direct fees as part of the foster care licensing process, other than the CPR and First Aid Certification costs. There may be some expenses to get your home ready for a child, like providing bedroom furnishings, safety items like fire extinguishers, first aid kits and smoke detectors, and other miscellaneous expenses. As part of the licensing process, foster parents are required to show they are financially stable and able to handle the additional expenses that come with a child.

Yes, during the licensing process, you will discuss with your licensing worker the age, gender, and number of children you feel best equipped to care for. You’ll also talk about any emotional or physical challenges you’re prepared to handle. Before a child is placed in your home, you’ll receive information to help you decide if it’s the right fit.

Foster children range from infants to teens, but the greatest need is for families willing to take in: • Sibling groups (keeping brothers and sisters together) • School-age children (ages 6-12) • Teenagers (ages 13+)

It varies—some placements last just a few days, while others extend to several months or even years. The average stay in foster care is about a year or more.

Yes, it can be difficult, but the impact you make is life-changing. By providing a child with stability, love, and security, you give them a foundation they may have never known. You also have the opportunity to support parents in building a stronger, healthier family. Often, this relationship becomes a lifelong extended family.