Open your home.
Change a Life.
Foster care is one of the most powerful ways you can make a difference. Families Especial walks alongside you every step of the way, from your first inquiry to placement and beyond.
ABOUT OUR SERVICES
Helping children heal, grow, and thrive
Our program is dedicated to meeting the needs of children during times of transition, providing daily structure, encouragement, and consistency.
Supporting Children in Care
Many children experience fear, grief, and separation from their families. Caregivers provide emotional support and patience as children process these feelings and adjust to living away from their biological family.
Treatment Plan Participation
Families participate in each child's treatment plan, including ensuring access to primary medical care and other necessary services. This teamwork supports each child's physical, emotional, and developmental needs.
Safety and Well-Being
A key responsibility of caregivers is ensuring children are safe and properly supervised at all times. Through compassion, stability, and commitment, families help children feel valued and supported.
WHAT IS FOSTER CARE?
Providing a safe, stable home for children in need
Temporary care for children ages 0–17 who have been removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect, exploitation, or abandonment. Foster families provide consistent care while children work toward healing and stability.As a licensed private child-placing agency, Families Especial partners with DFPS to recruit, train, and support foster families across South and South Central Texas.
TYPES OF PLACEMENT
Ways to foster
There are several ways to open your home, find the one that fits your family.
Foster to Adopt
Care for a child with the possibility of adoption if reunification is not possible and parental rights are terminated.
Respite Care
Short-term relief care for licensed foster parents who need a break. A great first step if you're new to fostering.
Kinship Care
Care provided by relatives or close family friends for children placed by DFPS. We support kinship caregivers too.
Emergency Placement
Short-term care for children removed in an emergency. Usually 30–90 days while a longer-term solution is arranged.
Short-Term Foster Care
Temporary care while the child's family works toward reunification through DFPS services and support.
Long-Term Foster Care
Extended care for children who cannot safely return home and need stability while a permanent plan is developed.
BENEFITS & REQUIREMENTS
What you receive & what we ask
Foster parents receive meaningful support while making a difference in a child's life.
Benefits
24/7 Caregiver Support
Ongoing Professional Training
Paid Respite
Mileage Reimbursement
Initial Placement Clothing Allowance
School Supply Stipend
Non-taxable Benefits
Minimum Requirements
Be 21 years of age or older
US Citizen or Permanent Resident
High School Diploma or GED
Cleared Background Checks
Be financially self-sustaining
Reliable transportation
Positive Home Screening
Ready to open your home?
Start the conversation today. Our team is ready to walk you through every step.