Refugee and immigrant kids fleeing difficult situations need you
Refugee and immigrant kids fleeing difficult situations need you
Two ways to help children entering the U.S. unaccompanied by a parent or guardian.
Long-term refugee foster care
When children have been permanently separated from their families, long-term foster care provides a home as they prepare for independent adulthood.
Short-term immigrant foster care
Unaccompanied children crossing the border need what all children need – a safe and loving home. Short-term immigrant foster care offers temporary homes for these children until they can reunited with family.
Refugee children in crisis
Refugees and immigrants children are being forced from their homes due to community violence, war, famine, natural disasters, and persecution.
While on their journey, refugee families may become separated due to death, illness, or imprisonment.
Foster families can provide short or long-term homes for those youth where no where else to turn.
FAQs about long-term refugee foster care
Who are the refugee children Bethany serves?
Children needing long-term foster homes are primarily from Afghanistan, Syria, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea, El Salvador, and other parts of Central America. They are between 13–17 years old, although most are 15 or older. Many have lived in refugee camps for many years.
Children needing short-term care in foster homes are usually 12 years old or younger.
Do I have to speak a second language?
No. While bilingual parents make fantastic foster parents, it’s not required that you speak another language. Bethany provides translators and interpreters to ensure the kids in your care receive the support they need.
Does Bethany need more long-term foster families?
Yes. Bethany receives referrals each day for refugee children who need foster homes. We don’t have enough foster parents to accept all of these referrals. We need foster parents who are willing to open their hearts and homes to give refugee youth guidance and stability as they begin a new life.
Do I need to be licensed?
Yes. Bethany provides a fully integrated program, including licensing and training, case management, a daily educational curriculum, and primary and behavioral health support.
Can I adopt a refugee child?
Unaccompanied refugee minors are not legally eligible for adoption. However, many refugee foster parents develop deep connections with refugee children they’ve cared for in their homes, considering them part of the family.
What are the major steps to becoming a foster parent?
- Attend a free information meeting
- Get certified
- Receive training to support your foster youth, including trauma training
- Placement occurs when you welcome a child into your home
- Ongoing support is available to help you through it all
- Successfully parent your foster youth into adulthood
Remarkable stories of courage and resilience
Remarkable stories of courage and resilience
I want to learn more
Caring for refugee youth as a foster parent takes commitment, but it’ll be worth it. And we’ll walk alongside you every step of the way, providing training and support.
