Foster parents are people who are genuinely concerned about the well-being of children and families. Foster parents recognize that not all biological families have the physical, intellectual or emotional resources to provide children with what they need to grow into healthy, happy, productive adults.

Foster parents are acutely aware of the crises, stress and social problems that result in the abuse and neglect of children; or in the adolescent behaviors of truancy, running away, or unruliness. Additionally, foster parents are people who realize that sometimes family conflicts become so severe that children must be removed from their homes, for their own safety. Foster parents also recognize that they must play an integral role in helping the child maintain family ties, as deemed appropriate, as well as helping to meet the child’s overall safety and well-being needs.

Licensing Requirements

To be licensed as a foster parent, you:

  • Must be at least 23 years old
  • Must be a resident of Guilford County for a minimum of one (1) year
  • Can be married, single, divorced, widowed, etc.
  • Must wait at least 12 months after any significant life change (birth, death of family member, divorce, marriage, etc.) before moving forward with licensing process
  • Must have reliable transportation, including valid NC driving license and valid auto insurance
  • Must have at least a GED
  • Must have sufficient income to meet own financial responsibilities
  • All household applicants 18 years old and older will be fingerprinted and must submit to criminal and Child Protective Services record checks
  • All household applicants must complete a current physical, including a TB test for all applicants 18 years old and older
  • Must be in good health (mental and physical), as evidenced by a complete physical
  • Must have adequate space in the home to allow for each foster child to have his/her own sleeping space
  • Must be willing to work in partnership with the Department of Social Services, biological parents and other team members
  • Must be willing and able to provide a safe, stable, and nurturing environment for a foster child
  • Must complete a face-to-face orientation session
  • Must complete an online orientation session *print and save certificate

Foster Parent Application

You will need to complete the foster parent application so that we have a basic understanding of how best to work with you and your family. You will be given this application upon request after you have attended an information session. The information you provide us on this application helps us to determine any licensing regulations that may need to be discussed further. Guilford County must remain compliant with all North Carolina Licensure Regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tab/Accordion Items

Many. Our goal is to meet the needs of individual children. Some of our special needs are homes for teenagers, infants, pregnant teen girls, sibling groups.

Yes, depending on space, our discretion, and the foster parent's preference. 

Foster parents receive a monthly reimbursement payment for the child's room and board, clothing allowance, and incidental expenses. Medical and dental expenses are usually covered by Medicaid or by us as they occur.

It varies, depending on the child's particular situation. Some children may stay only a short period of time, while others may stay several months or longer.

No. You can be married, single, divorced, widowed, etc. You do not have to own a home; however you must have stable and appropriate housing.

Yes. Our primary goal is to reunite families. However, when that goal is not able to be achieved, foster parents often become the adoptive placement for the child in their home.

None. As the legal guardian, we assume responsibility for overall planning and initiation of all legal proceedings.

Yes. Funds are available to pay for daycare services for foster children at specified daycare centers for working foster parents.

Interested in learning more? Let us contact you!

Please complete this form to receive information about Guilford County Foster Care Program. All information submitted will be kept confidential.

Contact Us

Thank you for your interest in partnering with our agency and for taking the time to review the material/information. Feel free to contact us at the numbers or emails below if you have any questions.

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 3388 Greensboro, NC 27402
Office Location: 1203 Maple St. Greensboro, NC 27405
Phone: 336-641-5437 (641-KIDS)
Email: foster@guilfordcountync.gov

Debra Tolliver 
Phone: 336-641-6274
Email: dtolliv@guilfordcountync.gov  

Rita Tate   
Phone: 336-641-3999
Email: rtate@guilfordcountync.gov

Off