Choosing the Right Foster Care Agency: A Journey of Patience, Prayer, and Purpose

When Greg and I first felt the tug on our hearts to begin our foster care journey, we honestly thought the hardest part would be adjusting to the day-to-day life of being foster parents. What we didn’t expect was that one of the most time-consuming and prayer-filled parts would actually come before any child ever entered our home: choosing the right agency to get licensed through.

We quickly discovered that getting licensed isn’t just a matter of signing up—it’s about finding an agency that aligns with your values, supports your unique journey, and equips you well for the hard and holy work of fostering. There are so many options out there, and each one has its own strengths, structure, and focus. It was overwhelming at first. We felt like we were stepping into a world full of acronyms, policies, and differing philosophies.

There are two main types of foster care agencies: government-run (often referred to as county or collaborative programs) and private agencies—some of which include a faith-based or spiritual focus. Both have the same goal: to support children in need. But how they go about that goal can look very different.

We spent several months researching, making phone calls, reading reviews, and attending multiple informational meetings—both in person and online. We asked hard questions. We talked to current foster parents. We prayed. A lot.

We wanted to find an agency that didn’t just see us as another file to process but one that would walk with us, encourage us, and speak truth over us during both the heartbreak and the hope.

Eventually, we narrowed it down to two options:

1. The Collaborative Foster Care Program (CFCP) – a county-based program that serves Douglas, Jefferson, and Arapahoe counties. It’s well-organized, efficient, and offers strong connections to local services.

2. Hope & Home – a faith-based agency that places a strong emphasis on equipping foster families emotionally, spiritually, and practically. Their heart for not just children, but for foster parents, was evident from the first moment we met their team.

Both were excellent choices in their own ways. But after a lot of prayer and conversations, we knew where God was leading us.

We chose Hope & Home.

Their mission resonated with us deeply—not just because of their spiritual foundation, but because of how they approach fostering with both truth and grace. They spoke openly about the joys and the grief, the laughter and the tears. They emphasized community, offered hands-on training, and most importantly, they reminded us that foster care is kingdom work.

We’re so excited (and yes, still a little nervous!) to take this next step with Hope & Home as our licensing agency. We know this road won’t be easy, but we feel confident that we’ll be walking it with people who are deeply committed to children and to the families who care for them.

If you're someone who’s thinking about fostering someday—or even if you’re just curious—we’d love to encourage you to take your time and do the research. Ask questions. Pray. Be open to where God might lead. Because choosing an agency is more than just paperwork—it’s choosing the team that will be in your corner as you step into one of the most important roles of your life.

Let the next chapter begin. 💛