Florida Foster Care Services

One Church One Child will work with and officially refer all families interested in providing foster care services to the appropriate local community based care lead or provider agency for processing and licensure.

Why should you become a foster parent?

This might be the first thought running through your mind right now. Foster parenting is not for everyone, but for those who choose to dedicate their time, their love and their homes to abused and neglected children, it is a calling. Maybe it's your calling.

On any given day, there are approximately 8,000 children in family foster care in Florida. They are newborns, toddlers, school-aged and teens. They come from all different backgrounds, and speak several languages. Some have many siblings, some have special needs. All need love.

We need foster parents as diverse as the kids who we are serving. We need individuals and families who can provide a safe and loving home to a child in need in every community in this state.

Hundreds of families across Florida are volunteering to make a difference in the lives of children and families in need. But MANY MORE FAMILIES ARE NEEDED. Please consider becoming a foster parent for a child in need today.

How Do I Become A Foster Parent?

Becoming a foster parent is one of the most rewarding experiences for a family. Caring for children who have been abused or neglected and being a role model for the biological parents who are working to be reunified with their children is the ultimate public trust.

If you would like to become a foster parent, you will work with the Department of Children and Families and a local community-based care organization, who will assess the strengths and needs of the family and determine if the foster parent program is a suitable match.

Here are some steps you will have to take to become a foster parent:

  • Attend an orientation.
  • Complete 20 to 30 hours of foster parent training.
  • Have a child abuse and criminal background check.
  • Participate in a home inspection.
  • Participate in a home study to review your readiness for fostering.
Who can become a foster parent?

In Florida, you may be eligible for foster parenting if you:
  • Are committed to loving and nurturing a child in your home
  • Are willing to work in partnership with everyone involved in the child's life to meet the child's needs
  • Are dedicated to helping a child be reunified with the biological family
  • Are at least 21 years old
  • Attend required training sessions
  • Consent to criminal and child abuse registry checks
  • Are financially able to provide for your present needs and family emergencies
  • Pass a health inspection of your home
  • Have enough physical space in your home to accommodate children
  • Are willing to meet with a licensing counselor for an in-depth home study to determine if your family meets these requirements
Am I ready to be a foster parent?

You are ready to learn to be a foster parent if you are ready to accept a child into your family and to give that child the love, care and commitment you would give your own child while respecting the child’s history, culture and family relationships. Foster parenting requires skill and sensitivity, flexibility and selflessness. If you have these qualifications and you can safely care for a child, you are ready to start the process.

To ensure children are safe and well cared for the agency you work with will look at a few other things including:
  • The safety and adequacy of your home
  • The results of child abuse and criminal history checks
  • Your ability to safely care for a child in your present circumstances
  • Your income. Foster parenting is not a paid position. Foster parents receive a stipend to meet the child’s needs, but must have enough resources to support their own family
If you are the right person to parent a child in foster care, we will work with you to overcome any obstacles that arise.

Courtesy of http://www.fosteringflorida.com/amiready.shtml

Ways to Contribute to OCOC

Make a Donation

Every child deserves a forever, permanent home and family. You can make a difference - a child is waiting for adoption or foster care in Florida.



Partner with OCOC

Our Partnership Program provides opportunities for businesses, organizations and individuals to join with OCOC in lending support to families.



Volunteer with Us

Please consider donating your time and experience with us. Opportunities vary throughout the state but we can use any services you have to offer.



OCOC Partners

  • Department of Children & Families
  • Children's Home Society of Florida
  • Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University
  • Florida State University
  • National One Church One Child