Becoming a Foster Parent

Becoming a Licensed Foster Parent

Becoming a foster parent is one of the most significant commitments a person can make. It’s not easy – but it is deeply worthwhile.

Michigan needs more foster families, and we need them now. At the end of March 2026, there were 9,961 children in foster care. It’s hard to imagine how to help so many children. Instead, consider how your family could support one.

If you are considering becoming a foster parent, you are not alone, and you don’t have to figure it out alone. Wellspring has been walking alongside foster families in Michigan since 1893. We are here to help you every step of the way.

Your primary commitment as a foster parent is to provide safety, stability, and love—and to support a child’s connection with their birth family whenever it is safe to do so.

Things to Consider Before You Apply

Maybe you’re just starting to explore this, or maybe you’ve been thinking about it for years. Wherever you are, here are some honest questions to work through—ideally with the people in your household:

What kinds of children feel like a good fit for your home? Consider age, special needs, background, and sibling groups.
Is your household financially stable enough to support itself without relying on foster care reimbursements?
Do you have the flexibility to transport a child to required appointments and visits?
How do other household members—children, a partner, or others—feel about welcoming a child into your home?
What is your parenting approach? Can you offer consistency and patience to a child who has experienced trauma?
Are you open to building a respectful relationship with a child’s birth family?

These aren’t pass/fail questions. They are the beginning of an honest conversation—one our licensing staff is eager to have with you.

Foster Care vs. Adoption

Many people assume that fostering is the first step toward adoption. That’s not always the case, and it’s important to understand the difference.

Foster Care

Foster care is temporary by design. When a child enters foster care, the goal—first and always—is safe reunification with their birth family. The State of Michigan maintains legal custody of the child during this time. Birth parents are given support and services to address the issues that led to the removal. This process can take months or, sometimes, more than a year.

Your role as a foster parent is to provide a stable, nurturing home while that work happens. You will be part of a team that includes the child’s caseworker, birth family, and Wellspring staff.

Adoption

In cases where reunification is not possible and parental rights are terminated by the court, a child may become eligible for adoption. If you are the child’s current foster parent, you may have the opportunity to adopt. If not, a Wellspring social worker will work to identify a permanent adoptive family. Once finalized, adoption transfers full parental rights and responsibilities permanently.

Whether your heart is drawn to fostering, adopting, or you’re still figuring it out—we’d love to talk with you about both.

Who Are the Children in Foster Care?

Children in foster care are Michigan kids. They are in care not by their own choosing, but because a determination was made that it was necessary for their safety. They come from every background, every county — and every one of them has a unique story.

Many children in care have experienced abuse, neglect, or significant instability. Their needs vary widely—some children adjust with relatively little difficulty; others carry the weight of deep trauma. What they all share is a need for caring adults, consistency, and a place to belong.

Wellspring will work closely with you to match you with the children who are the best fit for your home and your family. You will never be placed with a child without your knowledge and consent. And you will never navigate this alone—our team is available around the clock.

Who Can Become a Foster Parent?

Almost anyone who meets the basic requirements can apply. A potential foster parent must be:

At least 18 years old (there is no upper age limit)
Single, divorced, or married—any household configuration is welcome
Able to demonstrate that the household can financially support itself without foster care reimbursements
Able to work supportively with a child’s birth family
Willing to attend required training and engage with ongoing education

You do not need to be Christian, Lutheran, or a person of any particular faith. Wellspring serves and partners with people of all faiths and of no faith. The same is true for the families we serve.

Financial Reimbursement

Foster parents receive a monthly reimbursement check to help offset the costs of caring for a child. The amount varies based on the child’s age and level of need—not based on the foster family’s income. This reimbursement is not intended to cover every expense, but it is meaningful support.

Children in foster care also receive:

Medical, dental, and vision coverage through Medicaid
Daycare subsidies
Free school meals
WIC (for young children)
Tuition assistance for older youth

A Wellspring social worker will walk you through all of this and help you understand what to expect.