Foster

Fostering can pave the way for a child’s future.

Join our Foster Info Session

WHY FOSTER WITH US

You won't do this alone.

We've been doing this since 1916, over 110 years of walking alongside foster families in Chicago. Our team knows what families need and how to provide it, whether you're brand new to fostering or have done it before.

We provide the training, tools, and ongoing coaching to prepare you for every step of the journey.

Foster parents receive a monthly stipend, and DCFS covers medical care and educational expenses for every child in your home.

Types of Foster Care

Traditional Foster Care 

Traditional Foster Care is temporary care of a child who has experienced abuse, neglect, or other family problems. The child can be any age (0–18). These children simply need a safe home, loving environment, and someone willing to step up and support them until the hopeful goal of reunification is achieved.

Therapeutic Foster Care 

Therapeutic Foster Care is an innovative, evidence-based program offered by Lydia Home. This care places children with a need of trauma-informed care and emotional/behavioral needs in homes where they receive more one-on-one care and attention to thrive. Therapeutic Foster Parents receive an increased stipend (estimated $3,000/month) to allow a member of the household to devote time to the child. Foster Parents receive special training, 24/7 support, and are part of a comprehensive team that supports the child.

GET INVOLVED

Open your home.
Change a child's story.

Foster parents are the heart of what we do. We'll train you, walk beside you, and support you every step of the way.

Attend an info session
Basic requirements

Do I qualify to be a foster parent?

You don't need to be perfect, you just need to be committed. Individuals and couples meeting the following criteria are both welcome to apply.

Illinois resident, at least 25 years of age, with a verifiable income
In good physical and emotional health
Accepting of the temporary nature of foster care
Willing to work cooperatively with Lydia Home, DCFS, and the natural family

Did you know?

DCFS provides assistance for work-related daycare expenses for foster parents who work full time.

Types of foster care

Find the right fit for your family.

Lydia Home offers two pathways into foster care. Both provide a child with a safe, loving home.

Traditional
Therapeutic
Who it's for
Children ages 0–18 who need a safe home while their family works toward reunification
Children ages 6–18 with trauma-related emotional and behavioral needs requiring more intensive care
Training
Standard foster parent licensing and training provided by Lydia Home
Specialized trauma-informed training plus ongoing coaching as part of a comprehensive care team
Expenses
DCFS covers the child's medical, educational, and some personal expenses.
DCFS covers the child's medical, educational, and some personal expenses.
Support
Monthly stipend provided by DCFS
Increased stipend (est. $3K/month) to allow a family member to dedicate more time with the child + 24/7 access to a therapist
Getting started

Attend a free information session

Our information sessions are the best way to learn what fostering with Lydia Home looks like. You'll hear from our team, get your questions answered, and meet other families who are considering the same step.

There's no commitment required. Just come ready to learn.

What to expect

Overview of Lydia Home's foster care program and our approach

Walk-through of the licensing process, requirements, and timeline

Open Q&A with our foster care team

GET INVOLVED

Ready to open your home?

The first step is attending one of our free information sessions — available in person or virtually. Come with questions; there are no commitments.

Join an info session

COMMON QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

Have more questions? Reach out to our team or attend an info session.

  • Adolescents, brothers and sisters who need to stay together, Hispanic and African American infants and children, babies born drug-exposed or with HIV, and children with sexualized behaviors are among those with the greatest need for foster families.

  • Yes. Single individuals are absolutely welcome to apply to become foster parents with Lydia Home.

  • The licensing and training process takes from four to six months. Placement can depend on the children referred to our agency and how well they match the strengths and family dynamics of your household. Once your training is completed, you will be issued a license valid for four years.

  • 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.

  • You can express a preference on the age, race, and sex of the child, as well as the specific behavioral or medical needs you feel equipped to support. You are paired with a child based on your preferences, what you feel best suited to foster, and the judgment of the Lydia Home team.

  • Many of our foster parents work full time. DCFS provides assistance for work-related daycare expenses for children placed in your home.

  • The first step is attending one of our free information sessions. From there, our Foster Care Licensing team will set you up with a consultation, answer your questions, and walk you through every step of the process.

  • Foster parents receive a monthly stipend. DCFS pays for the medical care of children in your home, as well as covering educational and some personal expenses. Therapeutic Foster Parents receive an increased stipend to allow a household member to devote dedicated time to the child's care.