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Fostering is Caring

Release trains and supports foster parents as they care for youth that must temporarily live apart from their family. Youth in foster care need an extraordinary level of compassion and caring – and so do families caring for them. Release has support available 24/7 for our foster homes. We also offer monthly gatherings for training and community building to replenish foster parents and increase the length of time families provide foster care.

Fostering is Caring

Release trains and supports foster parents as they care for youth that must temporarily live apart from their family. Youth in foster care need an extraordinary level of compassion and caring – and so do families caring for them. Release has support available 24/7 for our foster homes. We also offer monthly gatherings for training and community building to replenish foster parents and increase the length of time families provide foster care.

Why Become a Foster Parent?

There are multiple reasons why someone enters this journey and these reasons can be different for people in the same family. We've found most fall into the following categories.

You have something to give. For whatever reasons, you find yourself with more than what you need to survive. Maybe there's room in your home or space in your heart. You know it's good to share your excess with people in need.

It's also possible you have gone through something and now have come out through the other side (like going through a challenging medical situation that's given you an empathy for children in similar situations). You desire to give because you know suffering with firsthand experience.

You have something to give. For whatever reasons, you find yourself with more than what you need to survive. Maybe there's room in your home or space in your heart. You know it's good to share your excess with people in need.

It's also possible you have gone through something and now have come out through the other side (like going through a challenging medical situation that's given you an empathy for children in similar situations). You desire to give because you know suffering with firsthand experience.

Who Can Foster?

What qualifications do you need to have in order to foster children in the state of Nebraska?
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Desire

The first thing required is a desire to provide safe and loving support to children and families.

Reliable Transportation

Part of fostering is getting kids to the many places they need to go.

Room in your Family

Licensing has regulations regarding how many total children can be in a home. Single parent household currently having less than 4 minor children. Married household currently having less than 6 minor children.

Physical Space

You need a bedroom available for foster children. *Foster children can share a room with your children of the same sex as long as space is adequate, and each child has their own bed.

No Crimes Against Children

Criminal record clear of any felony involving abuse/neglect of a child, violent crimes, or being identified on a central registry in any state.

Invested Partners

If married, each spouse must meet all requirements and complete all licensing steps.

Financial Stability

Ability to financially support your current household.

Availability and Commitment

Availability and commitment to transporting children to school and appointments.

Graduate Training

Complete the 10-week Foster Parent training class.

What to Expect as a Foster Parent?

If you think you might want to be a foster parent, here's what you could expect after talking with someone from our foster care team.

Next Steps

Enroll in training

10-week training course, designed to prepare you for fostering as well as help you decide if fostering is right for your family

Fingerprints & background checks

References

We will need 3 names we are able to contact for a personal reference.

Health evaluation

A brief form to be completed by you and a doctor, saying that there are no medical reasons that you are unable to care for children

Simple home floor plan sketch

Sign paperwork

Sign and agree to DHHS’s policy for discipline, confidentiality, and other assurances to protect you and any child(ren) placed in your care.

Home study

You will complete a family profile and then we will do a home evaluation consisting of a family conversation/interview and a tour of your home.

Why Foster with Release?

Holistic support for you and your family is our top priority.

Fostering with any agency is a major decision and the agency you choose has a significant impact on your fostering journey. Release staff understand the unique challenges and rewards of caring for foster children because many of our foster care staff have been foster parents themselves. Their real life experience helps them provide a holistic support approach to our foster families. We have a long history of working with and caring for families in difficult circumstances. Release is contracted by DHHS and offers Tiered Levels of Foster Care which provides extra support to children with higher needs.

Wherever you choose to foster, the most important thing is you feel supported, loved, and valued. Fostering is incredibility hard work and we're committed to be here for you so you do not have to walk down this road alone.

      • Team of former foster parents

      • Staff with 40+ hours of training in Life Space Crisis Intervention that helps families navigate conflict and crisis

      • Once you have a placement we visit your home regularly and available to you 24/7

      • Foster Mother support groups and Foster Father support groups which typically offer a meal and childcare!

      • Part of the Foster the Family Network

      • We partner with over 50 churches and business help support our foster families

      • Staff will pray for your family and/or pray with you based on your comfort level

      • Release Care Closet
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    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about the Release Foster Care program

    Sign up for training

    Classes start on


    Still have questions? Ask Brooke by email or phone (402) 455-0808.
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