Foster Care
A Mission Field for the Church
Across North Carolina, more than 10,000 children are in foster care. These are not statistics — they are boys and girls who need safety, stability, and hope.
At Baptist Children’s Homes, we believe foster care is one way the Church lives out the Gospel. Because Christ welcomed us, we open our homes. Because we have received mercy, we extend mercy.
Foster care is not simply a social service. It is a calling to reflect the love of Jesus in the middle of crisis.
Why Foster Care Matters
Children enter foster care through no fault of their own. Abuse, neglect, and family crisis can disrupt a child’s sense of safety and belonging. In those moments, they need steady adults who will step in with compassion and consistency.
Foster care provides temporary, safe homes while families work toward reunification or permanency. The goal is always restoration whenever possible.
We believe the Church is uniquely positioned to respond. When believers step into foster care, children experience more than stability — they experience Christlike love in action.
What Foster Care Is — and What It Is Not
Foster care is:
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Temporary care for children in crisis
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A ministry of stability during uncertainty
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A partnership with social services working toward reunification or permanency
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An opportunity to advocate for a child’s wellbeing
Foster care is not about “saving” children. It is about serving them faithfully during a difficult season.
At BCH, we walk alongside families every step of the journey so they are equipped, supported, and never alone.
Equipping Families to Care Well
Loving children from hard places requires both compassion and preparation. Because we pursue excellence in everything we do, we ensure foster families receive the training, guidance, and support they need.
From your first inquiry through licensing and beyond, our team provides:
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Licensing guidance and preparation
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Trauma-informed training rooted in best practices
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Ongoing case management and advocacy
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24/7 support when challenges arise
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Community connection with other foster families
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Spiritual encouragement throughout your journey
Foster care is ministry — and ministry deserves preparation.
Mobilizing the Church
for Missions
Not every believer is called to foster — but every believer is called to care.
We partner with churches across North Carolina to equip congregations to surround foster families with practical and spiritual support. When a church embraces foster care, no family carries the burden alone.
We help churches:
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Host trauma awareness training
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Build foster care support teams
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Provide meals, respite, and encouragement
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Create a culture of advocacy and compassion
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Identify and support families sensing a call to foster
When the Church steps into foster care together, children experience not just one safe home — but an entire community of faith.
Everyone Can Do Something!
Foster care is not a calling for a few — it is a responsibility the Church shares together.
Not every family is called to foster. But every believer can participate in caring for children and strengthening the families who serve them.
You can be part of this mission by becoming:
A Prayer Partner
Commit to regularly praying for children in foster care, for biological families seeking restoration, and for foster parents carrying significant responsibility.
A Volunteer
Serve through church support teams, provide respite care, assist at events, or help meet practical needs for foster families in your community.
A Financial Supporter
Your generosity helps provide training, resources, and ongoing support to foster families across North Carolina.
An Advocate
Use your voice to encourage your church, raise awareness, and help create a culture that reflects Christ’s heart for vulnerable children.
When the whole Church engages, foster families are strengthened and children experience stability surrounded by community.
Will You Respond?
Children across North Carolina are waiting for safe homes and strong communities of faith. Whether you feel called to foster, support, give, or pray, your next step matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What support does BCH provide foster parents?
BCH provides training, licensing support, 24/7 guidance, case management and a faith-based community, so foster parents are never alone.
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How long do children stay in foster care?
The length of stay varies and depends on each child's situation, with goals that may include reunification, kinship, adoption, or another permanent plan.
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Do foster parents need prior experience?
No. BCH equips first-time foster parents with training, resources, and ongoing support every step of the way.
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What types of children need foster homes through BCH?
Children of all ages—from infants to teens—need safe, loving homes, often because of neglect, abuse, and/or family crisis.
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Does BCH offer respite care opportunities?
Yes. Families can become licensed to provide short-term respite care for foster parents who need temporary support.
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Can I foster if I work full-time?
Yes. Most foster parents work full-time; BCH helps coordinate support and resources to make fostering workable.
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What is the goal of foster care through BCH?
The primary goal is reunification when possible, while ensuring children receive consistent care, stability, and love.
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When reunification is not possible and adoption becomes the goal, is there assistance?
Most children adopted from foster care qualify for state and federal adoption assistance that covers most of the process and expenses related to adoption. However, the primary focus of the foster care system is to support birth families and pursue reunification, not fostering to adopt.
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Do foster parents choose the age range of children they care for?
Yes. Foster parents can share preferences, and BCH works to place children who are a good fit for each family's dynamics.