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Adoption and Foster Care

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Curious about what it takes to become a foster parent?

Join one of our virtual info sessions to ask questions, learn the basics, and discover how you can make a difference in a child’s life. Fill out our inquiry form.

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Union County Social Services is dedicated to supporting and nurturing safe and stable families in our community.
 

We offer two essential programs

Foster Care Services and Adoption Services, each contributing to the well-being of children in need.
Foster Care Services
Foster Care Services are designed to provide a safe and nurturing temporary home for children who, for various reasons, cannot remain in their own homes due to parental challenges.

Our goals with foster care services are:
  1. Strengthen, preserve and/or reunite families after the child has been placed in agency custody.
  2. Ensure a stable, safe and nurturing temporary living environment.
  3. Achieve a safe and permanent home for all children in agency custody.
Adoption Services
Our Adoption Services focus on assessing, selecting, and facilitating the legal adoption of children in foster care who cannot reunite with their families.
 
To initiate the adoption process, families are required to go through an assessment period facilitated by the court, and a fee is determined based on the family's income.
 
We also assist with independent, step-parent, and relative adoptions for a nominal fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Who can become a foster parent?

    Foster parents can be single, married, renters, or homeowners—what matters most is a stable, loving home. Both adults must show proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency and complete training. Must be at least 21 years old.

  • What is the difference between fostering and adopting?

    Fostering involves providing temporary care for a child in need, with the goal of reunification with their birth family or transitioning to a permanent home. Adoption, on the other hand, is a legal process that results in a child becoming a permanent member of your family when reunification with birth parents is not possible.

  • How long does the foster care process take?

    The time it takes to become a licensed foster parent can vary, but it typically involves training, background checks, home assessments, and interviews. The entire process can take a few months. Once licensed, the duration of foster care for each child can vary greatly, depending on the circumstances and goals of their placement.

  • What support and resources are available to foster parents?

    Foster parents receive ongoing support and resources, including training, financial assistance to cover the child's needs, access to support groups, and assistance from social workers. We are committed to providing you with the guidance and resources you need to ensure the well-being of the child in your care.

    Learn More
  • Can I specify the age or gender of the child I want to foster?

    While you may express preferences, it's important to remain flexible. The primary goal is to provide a safe and loving home for children in need, and matching a child with a suitable foster family takes into consideration various factors, including the child's specific needs and circumstances.

Boots on the Ground: Union County’s Challenge to Support Foster Youth

Right now, there are children in Union County, and across North Carolina, who need a safe place to land.

Union County is putting boots on the ground and challenging other counties and residents to step up.

We’re calling on you to consider becoming a foster parent.

Will you step up to the challenge?

Steps to Becoming a Foster Home

To become a foster parent and make a positive impact in a child's life, you'll need to follow these important steps:
Submit an Application
Complete Training
Health Check
TB Skin Test
Safety Precautions
Background Check
Home Preparations
Ongoing Training
Agreements
Requirements