Our community and our children need us to step forward as foster parents. Foster to keep our kids safe and our neighborhoods strong.
To learn more about becoming a DC foster parent call 202.727.7238
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A word from foster parents
You can make the difference in a DC youth's life.
Foster Parent Requirements
To become a foster parent in Washington, DC you must meet the following requirements:
  • Be at least 21 years old
  • Live in the District
  • Provide character references
  • Be able to support your household financially
  • Have no history of child abuse/neglect or criminal activity
  • Be in good physical and mental health and free of communicable diseases
  • Have enough space in your house or apartment for children to sleep separately from adults and from opposite-sex children over age 5
  • Have the time and ability to provide good care, guidance, and support to children or teens
How to Become a Foster Parent
We are here to support you through the application process.
1
Call 202.727.7238
2
Register for a CFSA foster parent information session (located at 200 I Street SE, Washington, DC 20003)
3
Complete 30 hours of pre-service training
4
Complete a home-study
5
Provide personal documentation
Learn more about how to become a foster parent in Washington, DC.
LEARN MORE

Support Services

CFSA provides support services for all of our foster parents. From medical care, clothing, and school supplies to short-term care for the children you foster if you need to take a break, the agency will help you care for our city's youth. CFSA also provides you with the opportunity to join a network of fellow current and past foster parents through our Family Connections Cluster program. The program meets frequently to share stories, resources, and support for one another.It is only with the help of community members like you that we can provide District children and teens in need with the safe, temporary homes that will sustain them during difficult times.

Foster Care Demographic Snapshot

CFSA’s number one goal is to place at-risk DC children in safe, nurturing environments within their home communities. We believe and understand from our experiences that children develop best and have the easiest transitions into a foster home when they remain close to their birth families, their friends, their schools, and ultimately the communities where they were raised.


  • Where in the city do children in foster care come from? (by Ward)
    Ward 1
    2%
  • Ward 2
    <1%
    Ward 3
    <1%
  • Ward 4
    3%
    Ward 5
    8%
  • Ward 6
    8%
    Ward 7
    20%
    Ward 8
    53%

  • Where are children in foster care placed? (by Ward)
    Ward 1
    2%
  • Ward 2
    1%
    Ward 3
    1%
  • Ward 4
    6%
    Ward 5
    9%
  • Ward 6
    6%
    Ward 7
    15%
    Ward 8
    10%
    Outside of DC
    50%

  • How old are the kids in the DC foster care system? Ages  of Children in Foster Care
    0 - 5
    30%
  • 6 - 10
    20%
    11 - 15
    18%
  • 16 - 20
    32%
Washington, DC Statistics

  • About 89% of children in foster care are African American

  • 73% of children in need of foster care in DC come from Wards 7 and 8

  • The largest percentages of foster care placements in DC are in Wards 5, 7, and 8.

  • The LGBT community accounts for 26% of foster care placements

  • There is an equal number of girls and boys in need of foster care

  • As of May 31, 2018 there are currently 853 District children and teens (aged 0-21) living outside of their birth homes under the care of CFSA.

Information Session Schedule

*All sessions are held at CFSA (200 I St. SE)

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Q. Do I need to own a home to foster a child?
  • A. No, as long as you meet the space requirements for the child. To learn more about space requirements in the District please click here.
  • Q. Can gay or lesbian individuals/families become foster parents?
  • A. Yes. The Child and Family Services Agency welcomes people of all sexual orientations to become foster parents, as long as you meet all the necessary requirements listed above.
  • Q. If I am single, am I able to become a foster parent on my own?
  • A. Yes. People who are single are welcome to foster a child.
  • Q. What kinds of help and support will I get?
  • A. CFSA provides support services such as medical care, clothing allowances, and monthly stipends for our youth and free-training and 24-hour support for you. You also have the opportunity to join a network of fellow foster parents through CFSA’s Family Connections Clusters program.
  • Q. Do foster children need their own bedrooms?
  • A. No. Children of the same sex are permitted to share bedrooms depending on the set up, provided that the foster child has space for personal belongings and opportunities for privacy.
  • Q. Will I get to choose the foster child for my home?
  • A. Unfortunately, no. CFSA Placement Administration does its best to match a foster child with a foster family that can best meet the child’s needs. Some foster parents prefer to work with teenage children, while others do better with young children. You will be able to specify the age and gender of the child you prefer.
Watch
Watch Washington, DC’s 2018 Cummins Foster Parent of the Year Video.
Child and Family Services Agency | 200 I St SE Washington, DC 20003