There are a couple different ways to become a foster parent. You can either work directly through CPS or with a private agency. The Village offers foster training one or two times per year in conjunction with Arrow Child & Family Ministries. While we work with Arrow to make training accessible to the church, it's important that your CPA (Child Placing Agency) be a good fit for you. We encourage you to read Suggested Questions for Selecting a Child Placing Agency. Additionally, Tapestry — a ministry to adoptive and foster families at Irving Bible Church — polled some of their foster parents, asking them what they wish they had known before fostering. What I Wish I had Known Before Starting the Foster Care or Foster Adoption Journey is a fantastic read, despite its long title.

Starting the adoption process can feel a little daunting. Aside from all the questions about how, there is often the lingering question, "Do I really want to adopt?" Moving on to the how, there is the question of adoption costs and picking an agency. The following resources should help get you moving:

• 10 Questions to Consider as you explore Adoption
• Adoption Costs & Financial Assistance Resources
• Funding Adoption
• Adoption Agency Questions - Domestic
• Adoption Agency Questions - International

Currently, our foster and adoptive moms meet once a month for a coffee night. One group that is in the works is a Waiting Families Group for adoptive parents-to-be. If you're interested in attending either, use our online contact form and select "Foster and Adoption (FAM)" from the category drop-down menu.

The Village provides relief and respite care training a couple times per year in conjunction with Arrow Child & Family Ministries. Contact us for upcoming training dates.