Become a Foster Parent

Foster parents come from all walks of life, and Idaho needs families with various abilities and strengths to care for the variety of children who enter foster care. Foster parents can be single or married, own their own homes or rent apartments, work in or outside of their homes. Individuals are required by the state of Idaho to be a minimum age of 21 and must successfully complete a background check in order to be considered for foster parenting. Many foster families already have children, but some are caring for children for the first time. There is not a minimum income requirement for foster parents as long as you can take care of your family's expenses. Most importantly, foster families need to provide safe and nurturing homes for children.

We hope you consider becoming involved in foster care by becoming a foster parent or supporting the work of foster and adoptive families in your area. Children need someone special to provide them with love and support - you might be that person.

How it works

A licensing/assessment process is completed with the potential foster family and the PATH social worker

• Training is provided for foster parents
• Social work support is provided for the foster family and children in care
• 24-hour on-call social worker availability
• Mutual support from other PATH foster families is available at monthly share and support meetings
• PATH foster parents have respite/relief care available to them
• PATH foster parents receive financial reimbursement based on each day the youth lives in their home

If you are interested in learning more about becoming a foster parent, please contact us.