Good Hearts Youth + Family Services
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Foster Care

Become a foster parent.

Children in Houston are waiting for someone to call “Mom” or “Dad”. Here's how to become that family.

Call (281) 298-4028Check Eligibility

Why Foster

Why foster with Good Hearts.

If you live in the greater Houston area, please call us at (281) 298-4028. One of our Foster Home Developers will be happy to talk with you about the process.

Many of the children we serve have suffered neglect or abuse. We look for families who are ready to love them as their own and meet their needs, and we give you the training, support and 24/7 backup to do it well.

Free training

NTDC and ongoing courses

Case manager

Weekly contact & visits

24/7 on-call

Help after hours

Respite care

Time to recharge

Mother and toddlerFamily at the beach

The Process

Your path to licensing.

01

Initial Inquiry

Call our main office. One of our Foster Home Developers will talk with you about the process and send you a Prospective Parent Information Packet, then schedule a home visit.

(281) 298-4028
02

Pre-Assessment Meeting

A Good Hearts staff member visits your home. Because many of our children have experienced neglect or abuse, we license only families who are able to meet their special needs.

03

Eligibility & Training

We confirm you meet the initial eligibility criteria, and you complete NTDC pre-service training (or Adoption training for adoptive families).

04

Mutual Assessment

Together we make an informed decision. If either of us decides not to move forward, we'll explain why in writing and suggest other ways you can help children.

Requirements

Initial eligibility criteria.

Single adults and couples are welcome. To begin the licensing process you must:

Family walking together
  1. 1

    Be at least 21 years of age

  2. 2

    If married, be married for at least one year (couples are verified as a unit)

  3. 3

    If divorced, the divorce must have been final for at least one year

  4. 4

    Be able to support your family without the foster care reimbursement, with documentation that expenses do not exceed income

  5. 5

    Provide proof of homeowner's or renter's insurance that includes liability coverage

Making an informed decision

After NTDC training, we reach one of three outcomes together: we both agree to move forward; you decide fostering isn't right for you now; or Good Hearts decides not to move forward and explains why in writing. In either “no” case, we'll suggest other ways you can help children.

Specialized Homes

Families we especially need.

Beyond traditional foster care, we're actively recruiting families for children with specific needs.

Primary Medical Needs Foster Parents

Primary Medical Needs Foster Parents

We are recruiting families for children with primary medical needs. In addition to the minimum requirements, parents must:

  • Be a licensed nurse
  • Complete additional specialized training
(281) 298-4028
Transitional Living Foster Parents

Transitional Living Foster Parents

We are recruiting homes for youth ages 16–22 who are aging out of care. Ideal parents:

  • Have relevant experience such as teaching, shelter, or transitional living work (preferred)
  • Complete training on the Good Hearts Transitional Living Curriculum
  • Are passionate about mentoring young adults toward independence
(281) 298-4028
Adoptive Parents

Adoptive Parents

Adoptive families follow the same four steps and eligibility criteria as foster families, with:

  • Adoption-specific pre-service training in place of NTDC
  • Support through every stage, from placement to finalization
  • Guidance on adoption assistance and post-adoption resources
(281) 298-4028

FAQ

Common questions.

No. Single adults and couples can both foster. You must be at least 21, financially stable without the reimbursement, and carry homeowner's or renter's insurance with liability coverage. If married, you must have been married for at least one year.

Request an information packet

Tell us a little about yourself and a Foster Home Developer will reach out.