Every kid deserves at least one secure, loving adult to rely on
because you’re never too old for a family.
Explore The Restore Network’s Youth Initiative today.
20,000
An average of 20,000 youth exit foster care each year without a permanent family.
60%
Before the age of 21, 60% of females who have experienced foster care will become pregnant.
55%
By 19 years old, only 55% of youth who have spent time in foster care have received a high school diploma or GED.
Is there space in your story for one?
About a third of children in foster care are 11 years of age or older, and research suggests only 50% of older youth in foster care will receive permanent placement with a family.
This means, many older children in foster care will bounce from home to home, be placed in hospitals or institutions to wait, or struggle to get the care and attention they deserve in residential facilities.
The thought of fostering can be intimidating, especially when it comes to fostering an older child. When you mention it to friends and family they may be quick to reinforce your fears.
Yet, still – you can’t shake the hope of what could be possible with your “yes.”
We will honor your courageous “yes.”
If you choose to foster an older child as part of our Youth Initiative program, we realize the weight of your “yes.” In return, we guarantee that you’ll never, ever be alone. We promise that you’ll:
Expertly
Equipped
The truth is, children in the foster care system have experienced trauma and older children have often experienced more. You’ll receive comprehensive training that covers tons of helpful information, including what to expect and how to respond in ways that are both meaningful and effective.
Individually
coached
The information you’ll receive in your training is meaningful, but it can be difficult to know how to apply it in your family with the child that’s placed with you. That’s why, we’ll provide a coach focused on helping you put your knowledge and training into practice to bring healing to the child in your home.
Supported
by a team
From day one, you’ll be supported by a success team formed just for your child. It takes one secure, loving adult to change the course of a child’s life for good, but we believe they deserve a village. That means you’re a member of your child’s support team which will always include The Restore Network director for your county, a caseworker, and also some combination of respite grandparents, a prayer warrior, a teacher, and/or a pastor.
Surrounded
with community
During your initial discernment and training, you’ll grow alongside a small cohort of people fostering older children for the first time. After your pre-placement retreat, you’ll stay connected in a support group as you navigate your new experience, together.
Start by attending a workshop where you can begin exploring your calling.
This is so, so important: You may think that if you agree to foster an older child, you’ll be expected to have a revolving door the rest of your life. On the contrary, we invite you to make space in your story for one child and remain connected to them well beyond their 18th birthday. The best success stories include graduations, weddings, grandchildren, and a bond that exists for life.
Start your journey today.
Because the possibilities are too sweet to not at least hear God out.
Learn
First, we’ll invite you to a short workshop to get an overview of what fostering an older child looks like.
Explore
If you’re still curious, you’ll be welcomed into a small group of those also considering fostering an older child, so you can discern, without pressure.
Leap
If you choose to apply to be a foster parent as part of the Youth Initiative program, The Restore Network community will wrap arms around you to help.
Meet Your Trainer
Victoria Haney has been a foster parent for nearly two decades. She left a 20-year career as a nurse to help families foster well so, in turn, children can gain the caring, secure adults in their lives that they deserve. Having completed trauma-informed training, she and her husband are active Empowered to Connect parent trainers.
Victoria is passionate about walking alongside families who welcome older children from foster care.
We’ll help your family thrive.
As a Restore Network Youth Initiative family, you can count on:
Guidance
The mentoring and support of your County Director and help navigating the foster care licensing process in a timely manner.
Practical Resources
Unlimited access to trauma-informed resources for anything you need.
Community
A network of other foster parents and an invitation to a county-specific monthly “Connect Group.”
Celebrations
Invitations to parties and events created to provide fun for your foster child and respite for you.
Meals
Food brought to you by volunteers upon a new placement.
Clothing & Supplies
Material support like cribs, clothes, or car seats, when a child is placed in your home.
Advocacy
Unwavering help with advocacy, should things get complicated with the system.
Prayer
Intentional, on-going prayer from The Restore Network volunteer prayer team.
Beyond this support, your foster care agency will also provide:
Direction
A caseworker to manage your case.
Financial Support
A monthly subsidy to help cover the costs of raising a child.
Health Insurance
Medicaid insurance to cover the child’s healthcare needs.
Clothing
A voucher to help with the child’s clothing.
Daycare
Free daycare when both parents work.
Waivers
Waivers to cover all school fees, including meals.
Start by attending a no-pressure informational session.
“I foster an older child because…”
I have a huge desire to love and help these families.
Karolyn
It’s been a long journey coming to the place where we were willing to see this as something our family should be involved in, but the more we move into it, the more gospel opportunities we see to be agents of reconciliation in a world broken and ravaged by the effects of the Fall.
Shayne
They need us more than we need our comfort.
Andria
God met us where we were most vulnerable and lost. He took us in. If he did that for us, why wouldn’t we do that for a child?
Victoria
I tell you, people think safe and easy is the best way, but the biggest blessings are almost always in the hard and the messy in my experience!
Angie
At the end of the day, it’s just worth it… It matters—every single moment—immensely.
Jess
FAQ
Do I have to be married to foster or adopt?
Am I too old to foster/adopt? Am I too young to foster/adopt?
Does one foster or adoptive parent need to stay at home?
Who pays for daycare?
Does each foster child have to have his/her own bedroom?
Can we choose the age/gender/race/sibling group that is placed in our home?
What about medical care?
I’m nervous about the birth parents and parent/child visits. Will the parent come to my home?
How long will the child be with us?
Are my kids too young to have a foster child in our home?
What is the difference between foster care and adoption?
Will it be too difficult for me to give up the child when it's time for him/her to be reunited with his/her birth family?
This seems to be the most common concern for people considering foster care, and it is important to think about this before you begin. First, you must remember that while you love and care for foster children, they are not your children. They have a mom and a dad, and biological connections are incredibly strong. If a biological parent can care for his/her child, this is the best option for that child. Second, we encourage you to be willing to grieve for the sake of a child. The truth is that you may grieve if a child comes to you and then returns home. You must decide if the benefit for that child is worth grief on your part. Third, we encourage you to trust God. The simplest answer is to trust Him to guide the future of your family and any foster children you care for. He is faithful.
Click here to view Illinois’ licensing standards for foster family homes.
Start by attending a no-pressure informational session.
13 Myths & Truths About Becoming a Foster Family
We understand the wavering back and forth as you want to care for a child in foster care… but at the same time are wondering if you’re actually cut out for it. What if you get too attached? What about my other kids? Would I even qualify? To help, we’ve compiled a list of the most common myths and truths for you to consider as you discern how God is leading your family.