Become A Foster Parent

Want To Explore Foster Parenting?

As you begin the journey to explore foster parenting, Kentucky Kids Belong will support you:

Adoptable kids

View kids in our state’s foster care system who are legally free for adoption.

Connect with Foster Parents

Connect with other foster parents, experts and resources.

Trauma Aware

Become trauma aware and invite your support network to do the same.

Foster Friendly Businesses

Connect with Foster Friendly Community businesses, faith communities and other organizations that are committed to supporting Kentucky’s kinship and foster families.

Let’s Connect


Foster Parent Requirements In Kentucky

Kentucky’s Cabinet For Health and Family Services is your best resource for information about becoming a kinship or foster parent in our state. But here are some key requirements to be aware of. 

  • Applicants must be at least 21 years old
  • Parents can be married or single
  • Parents should be financially stable and have an income (separate from any financial support offered to foster or adoptive parents for the child’s needs) sufficient to meet their family’s needs
  • Applicants must be able to provide a safe, secure, and healthy home for a child
  • Parents must be in good physical and mental health
  • The home must meet requirements for housing safety and space

Take The First Step To Fostering: Start Your Home Study

Before you can be considered for foster care or adoption you’ll need to complete a home study.

A home study (also known as a family assessment) is a process conducted by a caseworker to help prepare you and confirm that you meet the requirements to foster.

  • A home study begins with an interview by the caseworker to get to know you and your family at your home.
  • It often includes a home-safety inspection.
  • The final deliverable is a written report that makes recommendations about the characteristics and number of children you are able to support in your care. Home studies vary from state-to-state and agency-to-agency.

This table provides regional contacts to initiate your home study, based on the county in which you reside.


Kentucky Foster Parent Training Contacts

Cumberland (east and west)Adair, Bell, Casey, Clay, Clinton, Cumberland, Green, Harlan, Jackson, Knox, Laurel, McCreary, Pulaski, Rock Castle, Russell, Taylor, Wayne, WhitleyJennifer White
Rhonda Cantrell
Eastern MountainBreathitt, Floyd, Johnson, Knott, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Magoffin, Martin, Owsley, Perry, Pike, WolfeHeather Caudill
Wilbert Hurt
JeffersonJeffersonA. Brunker
LakesBallard, Caldwell, Calloway, Carlisle, Christian, Crittenden, Fulton, Graves, Hickman, Hopkins, Livingston, Lyon, Marshall, Mc Cracken, Muhlenberg, Trigg, ToddShawn Johnson
J. Harber
NortheasternBath, Boyd, Bracken, Carter, Elliott, Fleming, Greenup, Lawrence, Lewis, Mason, Menifee, Montgomery, Morgan, Robertson, RowanSarah Reed
Connie Lee
Northern BluegrassBoone, Bourbon, Campbell, Carol, Gallatin, Grant, Harrison, Kenton, Nicholas, Owen, Pendleton, ScottJennifer Wiehe
Roxanne Noland
Salt River TrailAnderson, Breckenridge, Bullitt, Franklin, Grayson, Hardin, Henry, Larue, Marion, Meade, Nelson, Oldham, Shelby, Spencer, Trimble, Washington, WoodfordCasey Gilbert
Melinda Norris
Southern BluegrassBoyle, Clark, Estill, Fayette, Garrard, Jessamine, Lincoln, Madison, Mercer, PowellAndrew Holt
Two Rivers NorthButler, Daviess, Hancock, Henderson, Mc Lean, Metcalfe, Ohio, Union, Warren, WebsterJeff Humphrey