Foster Care FAQs

Adolescents, brothers and sisters who need to stay together, Hispanic and African American infants and children, babies born drug-exposed or with HIV (AIDS).

You can express a preference on the age, race, and sex of the child that you think would best fit in with your family.

Yes.

DCFS provides assistance for work-related daycare expenses.

No. A foster child can share a room with your children or other foster children of the same sex. The foster child must have a bed of his or her own. A foster child may not share a bedroom with an adult–except for brief periods due to the child’s illness or another need for attention.

Contact the LYDIA Foster Care Licensing Department to begin the process. We will set you up with a consultation, answer any questions, and work through the process with you.

The licensing and training process takes from four to six months. After your training is completed, you will be issued a license, which is valid for four years.

Foster parents receive financial assistance, medical care, educational services, and personal support.

Do not be deterred by the fear of loving a child who might leave. Instead, be driven by the fear of a child never knowing love.