Becoming a foster parent is a decision that many LGBTQ+ people make — for a variety of reasons. In fact, a 2024 study conducted by the Williams Institute shows that same-sex couples are 10 times more likely to foster a child compared to different-sex couples. Many choose to embark on a foster parent journey because they have an eagerness and readiness to provide a safe, stable, and supportive transition space to one of the more than 330,000 youth in foster care. 

Use this resource to understand the basic process of becoming a foster parent, what fostering involves — especially for LGBTQ+ parents — and how the foster care system works in the U.S. 

Foster care is a temporary service for children and youth who cannot safely remain with their parents or caregivers. A public child welfare agency supervises it, and, generally, a court monitors it. Depending on the child’s needs and relationships, the child may live with relatives or kin, a licensed foster family, or, when necessary, in a group or residential setting.

The goals of foster care are safety, well-being, and a permanent family connection. When safely achievable, reunification with parents is usually the first permanency goal. When reunification is not possible, the agency and court may pursue placement with relatives or kin, guardianship, adoption, or another permanency plan.

Foster parents provide temporary care and support the child’s case plan. Some call them resource parents, although some jurisdictions use “resource parent” more broadly for foster, adoptive, and kinship caregivers.

There is a lot of overlap between the LGBTQ+ community and the foster care system. In addition to LGBTQ+ people being more likely to foster a child, there is also a higher percentage of LGBTQ+ people in the foster care system itself. According to the Human Rights Campaign, 30% of youth in foster care identify as LGBTQ+ compared to roughly 10% of the general youth population. LGBTQ+ young people are overrepresented in the foster care system and are more likely to be unable to find supportive placements, often ending up in group homes or aging out of the system without a placement. LGBTQ+ adults can support LGBTQ+ youth in care by becoming a foster parent, and many do!

Despite the overrepresentation of LGBTQ+ youth in care and LGBTQ+ prospective foster parents, there is not currently a national law protecting LGBTQ+ adults from discrimination when becoming foster parents. There is also no national law protecting LGBTQ+ youth from discrimination while in care.

Click on your state above to learn about protections for LGBTQ+ youth and individuals in your state.

The process of becoming a foster parent varies by state, Tribe, locality, and licensing agency. The first step for anyone looking to become a foster parent is to research local public child welfare agencies and licensed foster care providers. Understand their processes, applications, and minimum age requirements (usually between 18-21). This typically entails comparing agencies online, attending information sessions, and more. But for LGBTQ+ people, you will also need to think about whether an agency in your area will accept and affirm you. If you’re concerned about how your identity or family structure might influence your foster care process, learn more about identifying affirming agencies. 

Once you identify an agency or agencies you’d like to work more closely with, you’ll kick off the official application process. This commonly entails: 

It might be tempting to think that you have to finish a certain “checklist” before becoming a foster parent. But you do not need to be wealthy or married, own a home, or already have parenting experience. In fact, many states license single adults, renters, and people who work outside the home. Requirements concerning couples, household space, health, income, and criminal history vary. Ask the licensing agency how the rules apply to your household.

Learn more about becoming a foster parent from our friends at the National Foster Parent Association.

Kinship care is a type of care that involves placing a child with relatives or people who already have a close, family-like relationship with the child. This can include grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, cousins, godparents, close family friends, tribal kin, chosen family, or other adults who are connected to the child. Usually, when a child is removed from their home, a child welfare agency will pursue this as a first step. It’s preferable to placing a child with someone they do not know. This is because kinship care can help children stay connected to their family, community, culture, school, and siblings. 

Becoming a kin caregiver might look different than becoming a non-kin foster parent. Namely, the licensing options, legal arrangements, or financial support may vary. But state laws and agency policies should treat LGBTQ+ kin caregivers with the same dignity and respect as any other kin caregiver. 

As you begin to explore becoming a foster parent, you might’ve heard the phrase “foster-to-adopt.” This describes situations when a foster family is open to adopting a child in their care if adoption becomes the permanency plan. However, it’s important to remember that foster care is not a guaranteed path to adoption. A child’s outcome and placement varies case-by-case. Many are reunited with their biological parent(s). Some are placed with relatives or kin, and some become legally free for adoption after parental rights are terminated. Still, too, some foster parents adopt later on in their journey. What’s most important is meaningfully involving children and youth in permanency planning in ways that fit their age and development. For example, some older youth may want to be adopted, while others may prefer guardianship or another lifelong family relationship. 

The goal should be a permanent, supportive connection that reflects the young person’s needs and voice. 

As you consider becoming a foster parent, it’s important that you understand all the different outcomes that might occur — reunification, concurrent planning, legal risk, adoption, and post-adoption support. A strong child welfare agency will explain all of this transparently and with detail!