FOSTER CARE

Loving, stable homes where children find  safety and belonging.

“Every child is one caring adult away from being a success story.”

– Jason Shipp, author and former foster child

Ready to make a lasting impact on a child’s life as a licensed foster parent?

We’ll equip you to provide a nurturing home so children can flourish in a loving, Christ-centered environment.

I’m ready
See the Process

Here’s how our foster care licensing process works.

01.

Pray

We believe foster care is a calling. Trust that God will equip you if you answer that call.
02.
Let's talk

Contact Us

If you’re called to foster care or would like to learn more, we’d love to connect!
03.

Interview

We schedule a conversation over Google Meet  We get to know you, your situation, and your heart for vulnerable children.
04.

Training & Licensing

Attend our 10-week foster parent training class and complete your home study and background check. You could be available for a placement within 6 months start to finish.
05.

Placement

A placement coordinator will visit with you to determine what types of placements will work for you and your family.
06.

Support

Once a child is placed in your home, our foster care specialists offer 24-hour support to you. We also provide support groups, training nights, community gatherings, and more!
start the process

CRITICALNEED

Children desperately need the safety and connection you can provide.

Critical

need

Children desperately need
the safety and connection
you can provide.

Nearly 4,000 Nebraska children need placement due to neglect or abuse.

75% of children who need care are over the age of five.

Children not matched in loving foster care homes are 4 times more likely to attempt suicide.

50% of children in foster care don’t graduate high school on time without the loving support they need.

60% of trafficking victims were in foster care. The security of a loving home can protect these children.

Teens, siblings, and children with higher needs desperately need placements! You can change their lives!

FAQs

What makes Christian Heritage unique?

Christian Heritage is known for the depth, consistency, and relational strength of the support we provide to both foster children and foster families. We maintain frequent, proactive contact, offer a 24/7 on-call support line every day of the year. We also equip our families with Trust-Based Relational Intervention® (TBRI®) training so they are prepared to care for children who have experienced trauma.

While we walk families through the foster care licensing process, our commitment goes far beyond paperwork—we come alongside foster parents to support, equip, and encourage them to be safe, loving connections for vulnerable children for as long as God calls them to foster care.

How do I become a licensed foster parent?
The application process involves taking our foster parent training (called TIPS-MAPP). The training is 11 weeks long. You’ll meet once a week for 3 hours. During your training, you’ll begin your home study. A home study is your chance to help us get to know the entire picture of you, your family, your history, and help you prepare for fostering. This careful screening process helps determine whether foster care is right for you. If yes, this process also helps us match the right child to your home.

Read our blog post about the foster parent licensing process.

Who are the children in foster care?
A child in foster care may be from birth to age 19. Time in care ranges from a few months to a year or more. Foster families that can care for siblings and teenagers are needed most. Children ages birth through five years rarely enter foster care. Over 80% of children enter care because of neglect, though some enter care because of physical, sexual, or emotional abuse. Our training and support of you is critical to helping these children experience stability in a Christ-centered home.
What makes for a successful foster parent?
Our most successful foster parents are teachable, dependable, and compassionate. They’re willing to learn about trauma and how using different parenting styles for children with trauma can be effective and healing. They also know they can’t do it alone and are ready to ask for help when they need it.
Do I need special training to become a licensed foster parent?
Yes. In Nebraska, you must have at least 30 hours of initial training. To finish your licensing process, you must also complete a home study and background check. We’ll provide everything you will need in a clear, straightforward process. You must also complete 12 hours of ongoing training each year of your license.
Do I have to take every child you ask to place with me?
No. Before placement, Christian Heritage will present you with available information about the child we believe “matches” best with your situation. You can always ask for additional information, but sometimes, we know very little about a child. You always have the choice to accept or reject a placement. Saying “no” does not affect if we ask you to care for children in the future. You always have the right to do what’s best for your family.
Do foster children ever become available for adoption?
Yes. Our ultimate goal is for children to return to their homes. But sometimes, that’s not possible, in which case the court may order an adoption. As a foster parent, you would be a consideration for a child in your home who needs a permanent family.

Ready to help?

I want to be a foster parent

Contact us
to get started
on the next step.
I’m ready

I want to give

Though the state
provides funding for
foster care, it’s not
enough. Your giving
helps cover the
shortfall.
Give Now

I want to be a foster parent

Contact us
to get started
on the next step.
I’m ready

I want to give

Though the state
provides funding for
foster care, it’s not
enough. Your giving
helps cover the
shortfall.
Give Now