Children in Foster Care need your Support

Foster care provides a safe, loving home for children who have experienced trauma or instability. It’s a vital way to offer hope, stability, and support to children in need, helping them heal and thrive.

AGAPE provides these loving and stable homes through the various services we provide to prospective and our current foster families.

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parent training

To learn more about becoming a licensed foster parent or to register for AGAPE's upcoming TIPS training, click below to view our Upcoming Events.

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Foster Care With AGAPE

Why Foster with Us?

Professional Support

AGAPE pairs your family with a licensed social worker to walk beside you throughout your foster care journey. Advocating and for your child and your family from training to licensure to on-going care.

Spiritual Guidance and Support

Our services extend beyond material assistance; we offer spiritual guidance and emotional support to those facing challenges. AGAPE of North Alabama, Inc. stands out by providing holistic care that nurtures the soul and uplifts the spirit.

Training and Parenting Support

Your journey begins with a 10 week class called TIPS MAPP. This is required for all foster families. AGAPE provides other on-going trainings to keep your license in good standing. AGAPE also helps to meet the various behavioral and parenting needs throughout the years.

Community and Support

AGAPE of North Alabama, Inc. organizes various foster care events to build community in our foster community. These often look like camping, day trips, trainings, and Christmas gift sponsorships.

What is a home study?

A home study is a 10 to 12 page social summary of your family, written by a licensed social worker. In order to create your home study a social worker will meet with your family, once in your home and once at AGAPE's office. Each home study visit lasts approximately an hour and a half. A social worker will discuss your family, marriage, parenting style, discipline methods, and complete a walk-through of your home. All necessary paperwork, such as medical examinations and clearances, must be completed before home study visits are scheduled. Once completed, the home study is a legal document that allows your family to adopt. Home studies must be updated yearly.
How long is the wait to adopt a child?

The wait time for adoption can vary depending on your preferences. For example, families only willing to consider children of certain genders or races will likely encounter longer wait times. Other factors, such as openness in your adoption plan and the health of the child, also affect wait time.
How much will my adoption cost?

AGAPE's fees are based on state and federal adoption tax credits available to families. AGAPE's home study fees are approximately $2,000. AGAPE's placement fee is approximately $14,000. Fees paid to AGAPE do not cover attorney fees. Attorney's fees are approximately $2,000 to $5,000 and will be paid directly to your family's attorney. AGAPE social workers will go over a fee schedule in detail with you during your initial consultation.
Will we meet the birth parents?

A child benefits most from an adoption situation in which two families unite in partnership. This child-focused approach involves an incredible amount of flexibility, vulnerability, and compassion from all involved. AGAPE asks that all adoptive families be willing to meet their child's birth family. However, ultimately the decision to meet will be determined by the comfort level of the birth family.
What is open adoption and what are the benefits?

Open adoption refers to a wide range of communication between adoptive and biological families. Research has shown that children, adoptive families, and biological families all benefit from open adoption. Families who adopt should be prepared to share pictures, letters, and encourage visits throughout a child's life. Open adoption promotes a child's overall well-being by providing awareness of their history. This promotes bonding and attachment with their adoptive parents who are actively working to honor their child's story. Knowledge is power and open adoption improves the child's sense of identity.
Can the birth parents change their mind?

In the state of Alabama, biological parents who are making an adoption plan have a total of 5 days to opt toward parenting their child after making a plan or having the child, whichever comes last. The father has 30 days if he did not sign and/or was not aware of the child.

AGAPE Foster Parent Requirements

Must be 19 years or older.
Can be single or married.
Must be Christian and involved in a church.
TIPS & CPR/First Aid Certification
A ministry mindset towards the biological family involved in foster care.
Able to collaborate with DHR social workers, Guardian Ad Litems, CAJA workers, and other professionals to ensure that children's needs are met.

Compassion for the biological family and desire to work in partnership with them to reunify children.

A safe home that meets all requirements outlined in the safety checklist.
Flexibility in parenting style in order to incorporate trauma informed parenting techniques.
Completion of 15 hours of CEUs and 3 in person trainings with AGAPE per year.