Foster Care
AGAPE's foster families are called to minister to parents and children involved with the Alabama Department of Human Resources [DHR].
Our families provide safe, loving homes for children and work in partnership to reunify children with biological parents when possible.
The Need
Children in foster care need families who can see their preciousness and meet the deep need expressed through their behavior.
Children ages five and up and sibling groups are especially in need of loving and committed parents.
Our Services
AGAPE provides therapeutic services in the homes of each of our foster parents. Trust-Based Relational Intervention [TBRI] and Attachment and Bio-Behavioral Catch-Up [ABC] are used to address attachment issues faced by children from hard places.
AGAPE has three TBRI Practitioners and one ABC Parent Coach on staff.
Questions & Answers
What training is required to become a foster parent?
Every foster parent attends a class called TIPS-MAPP, Trauma Informed Partnering for Safety and Permanence - Model Approach to Partnerships in Parenting. This 10 week class meets one evening each week. This training is offered by AGAPE once a year, typically in the spring.
How much does it cost to become a foster parent?
AGAPE foster families are responsible for the cost of their medical examinations, the Prepare/Enrich Inventory [$35 per couple], and Criminal History Clearances [$48.85 per household member age 19 and older] prior to being licensed.
How is fostering with AGAPE different than fostering with DHR?
AGAPE is a Christian agency that approaches foster care with a ministry mindset. We offer wrap-around services for foster families that work in partnership with DHR. Foster children are all in the custody of DHR. AGAPE's families recieve placements from the northern 22 counties of Alabama.
Can I become a foster parent if I am single? Are there marriage requirements?
Foster parents may be single [never married, legally divorced, widowed] or married.
Are foster parents required to receive on-going training?
Yes, every foster parent is required to obtain 15 hours of continuing education each year, as well as attend a minimum of 3 of AGAPE's in-person trainings. AGAPE provides their families with multiple opportunities to acquire the needed training hours.
What is my next step?
Call AGAPE at 256-859-4481 to speak to a social worker to set up a consultation.
What kids might come into my home?
We ask that families spend time thoughtfully considering what age, gender, and level of need for which your family would be a good fit. AGAPE is looking for foster parents that are open to accepting school age children or sibling groups of any race.
How are foster parents compensated?
Foster parents receive a monthly board payment from DHR for each child in their home. This amount will vary depending on the age of the child and is intended to compensate for the needs of the child while they are in your home.
Can I adopt through foster care?
The primary goal of foster care is to partner with a family to reunify children with their biological parents. If this is not possible and no other relative resource is available, foster parents may be considered as an adoptive resource.
Foster Parent Requirements
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Age 19 years or older
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Single or married
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Christian and actively involved in a local church
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TIPS & CPR/First Aid Certification
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A ministry mindset towards the biological family involved in foster care.
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Ability to partner with DHR social workers, Guardian Ad Litems, CAJA workers, and other professionals to ensure that children's needs are met
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Compassion for the biological family and desire to work in partnership with them to reunify children
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A safe home that meets all requirements outlined in the safety checklist
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Flexibility in parenting style in order to incorporate trauma informed parenting techniques
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Completion of 15 hours of CEUs and 3 in person trainings with AGAPE per year