One of the first questions many prospective foster parents ask is, “Can we choose the age of the child we foster?”

The short answer is yes.

In Nebraska, foster parents work with their licensing specialist to determine the ages, number of children, and types of placements that best fit their family. The goal is to create placements where both children and foster families can thrive.

Choosing the age range that’s right for your family

Every family is different.

Some families feel called to care for infants, while others are excited about school-age children or teenagers. There isn’t one “right” answer—only the best fit for your family, your experience, and your season of life.

As you become licensed, you’ll discuss your preferences with your licensing specialist.

You may consider questions like:

• What ages have we parented before?
• Do we have biological children at home?
• How much experience do we have with trauma or special needs?
• What fits our family’s current stage of life?

These conversations help create realistic expectations and lead to more successful placements.

Can I foster an infant?

Many families initially hope to foster infants.

While infants do enter foster care, in Nebraska they represent only a very small percentage of the children who need loving homes. There is often an even greater need for families willing to care for school-age children, sibling groups, and teenagers.

Families who are open to a broader age range may receive placement calls sooner because they can meet a wider variety of needs.

Can you say no to a placement?

Yes. You are always in control of who you welcome into your home.

Receiving a placement call does not obligate you to accept every child.

When a child needs placement, you’ll receive information about the child’s age, circumstances, and immediate needs. You can ask questions and prayerfully consider whether your family is the right fit. You should know, however, the agency you work with may not receive all the details about the child(ren) who need placement.

Keep in mind that it’s always better to decline a placement that isn’t a good fit than to accept one your family isn’t prepared to support.

What about siblings?

Whenever possible, Nebraska works to keep siblings together. That means many placement calls involve two or more children.

If your home has the space and capacity, being open to sibling groups can make an incredible difference in helping brothers and sisters remain together during an already difficult season.

Can you change your preferences later?

Absolutely. You are never locked in to your child parameters.

In fact, we expect your family’s needs and preferences to change as time goes on. Many foster families discover that their comfort level moves as they gain experience.

Some begin by accepting only younger children and later become open to older children or sibling groups. Others discover a passion for caring for teenagers after initially feeling uncertain.

Your placement specialist (or licensing specialist in some agencies) will continue working with you as your family grows and changes.

It’s not about finding the “perfect” aged child

Sometimes prospective foster parents worry about choosing the “right” age. The truth is, there isn’t a perfect age to foster. Instead, consider where your family is best equipped to provide love, stability, and support.

Every child entering foster care deserves caregivers who are prepared, supported, and committed to helping them heal.

The goal isn’t to say “yes” to every placement. It’s also not to say “no” until you feel 100% prepared—because the reality is, most foster parents never feel completely ready before their first placement.

The goal is to say “yes” when the needs of a child align with your family’s abilities, circumstances, and willingness to grow. With the right preparation and ongoing support, many families discover they’re capable of far more than they first imagined.

Christian Heritage is here to help

Choosing an age range isn’t a decision you’ll make by yourself.

Our foster care team will help you think through your family’s strengths, answer your questions, and determine the types of placements that are the best fit for your home. As you gain experience, your preferences can change too.

If you’ve been considering foster care but still have questions, that’s okay. You don’t need to have everything figured out before taking the first step.

We’d love to talk with you, answer your questions, and help you explore whether foster care is the right fit for your family. When you’re ready, reach out to our team or begin your foster care journey by completing our online inquiry form.

Ready to start your foster care journey?