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Foster Texas is a licensed child placing agency serving Austin, Waco, and Bryan/College Station. We walk alongside families through foster care, kinship, and adoption — with training, support, and guidance every step of the way.
Open your home.
Change a child's story.
1 in 3 Texas foster children are placed away from home.
Last year, more than 3,100 Texas children were placed in foster care hours away from their schools, their siblings, and everything they knew — because there weren't enough homes in their own community. You can change that.
3,183
Texas children sent out of their home region in 2025
16,000+
Texas children are in foster care right now. Not enough have a home.
Austin. Waco. Bryan/College Station. The need is here. The answer can be too.
Sources: Texas DFPS, Texas Tribune analysis, April 2026.
Source: Texas DFPS, Texas Tribune analysis, April 2026
How fostering works in Texas
It's a journey, not a leap. Most families are licensed in 4 to 6 months — and you're never walking it alone.
01
Reach out — Send us a message or give us a call. We'll answer your questions, send you an info packet, and invite you to an upcoming info session — no pressure, no commitment.
Time: 1 conversation
02
Attend orientation & training — You'll complete the state-required training (about 30 hours), spread across a few weekends. We provide it free, online. You'll learn what to expect and meet other families on the same path.
Time: 3-5 weeks
03
Home study & licensing — A Foster Texas guides you through paperwork, background checks and safety requirements. We walk you through every form in the online portal — most families find this part easier than they expected.
Time: 8–12 weeks
04
Welcome a child home — Once licensed, we'll match you with a child or sibling group whose needs fit your family. From the first day forward, you have 24/7 access to our team for support, training, and respite care.
Time: Begins as soon as you're ready
You're never doing this alone.
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Every Foster Texas family gets a dedicated caseworker, ongoing training, and round-the-clock support. We picked the word "alongside" in our mission for a reason.