It can be difficult for children with specific histories or needs to find a home, but we believe that each child has the right to live in a safe and loving home. The Kentucky foster care team focuses on finding homes for children who are ages 6 and up, need extra therapeutic and/or medical care, and sibling groups.
A site visit was completed on March 12, 2020 wherein the Kentucky office was provisionally approved to offer foster care for therapeutic and medically complex children. Our applications to the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services has been submitted, and we are awaiting a contract.
In Kentucky, there are nearly 10,000 children in out-of-home care. Many of these children are in need of safe and stable foster homes. These placements could be short- or long-term, depending on the needs of the biological family. Respite foster homes are also needed as a support to full-time foster parents.
FOSTER CARE
If a child’s biological family is unable to care for him or her, the child may become eligible for adoption. In the United States, 51% of foster children who found forever families were adopted by their foster parents.
ADOPTING YOUR FOSTER CHILD
Could you be a forever family for one of over 3,000 children in Kentucky who are waiting to be adopted? Consider the children found on the Kentucky Adoption Profile Exchange and let Nightlight know if you would like to learn more about foster adoption in Kentucky.
KENTUCKY’S ADOPTABLE CHILDREN
It is important to understand that every child is unique in their histories, experiences, challenges and strengths. No matter what needs they may have, we believe every child deserves a loving family and the chance to flourish.
Fostering can be challenging at times, so it is important that foster parents have a strong support systme (friends, family, church, etc.). Due to our small caseloads, Nightlight has the ability to give you the attention and support you need to navigate your foster care journey.
Children who form strong, healthy attachments (relationships) are more resilient to stressful situations as adults. As a foster parent, you are making impactul, positive changes which could improve a child’s life now and into adulthood.
If you feel led to help a child age 6 and up, with therapeutic or medical needs, or a sibling group, Nightlight would love to meet with you.
Families interested in basic foster care or children age 5 and under should contact the Kentucky Cabinet Adoptions Branch at 1-800-232-5437.
If you live in one of the following counties and are interested in fostering an older child, please e-mail [email protected] with your contact information. We will be in contact with you regarding updates.
Anderson Franklin Mercer
Bourbon Garrard Montgomery
Boyle Harrison Nicolas
Clark Jessamine Scott
Fayette Madison Woodford
“Fostering to adopt has been the hardest thing we’ve ever done, but it is also the most wonderful thing we’ve ever done. It is God making beauty from ashes and inviting us to be a part of the process. This experience has blessed our family more than we could have ever imagined!”
Paul & Leesa
Becoming a foster parent begins with completing an info meeting and basic foster parent training through Nightlight’s partnership with Orphan Care Alliance. Please check their training schedule for upcoming opportunities to begin.
Nightlight Adoption Bridge – View photos of children waiting for you
Kentucky Adoption Profile Exchange – View Kentucky’s waiting adoptable children
UK College of Social Work – Office of Foster and Adoptive Support and Training
Nightlight is proud to partner with the following organizations: