Foster care provides temporary care for children who cannot safely remain with their birth families. Foster parents offer a safe, nurturing home while working toward reunification or another permanent solution.

How long do children stay in foster care?

The length of time a child spends in foster care varies based on individual circumstances. Some children are in care for a short period, while others remain longer. On average, children spend 12 to 20 months in foster care.

What is the role of a foster family?

Foster families provide a safe, stable, and nurturing environment for children in care. They support the child's physical, emotional, and educational needs while working collaboratively with caseworkers and birth families toward reunification or permanency.

Who can be a foster parent?

Foster parents must be at least 21 years old, pass background checks, complete required training, and have adequate space in their home. All family structures are welcome, including single parents, married couples, and LGBTQ+ families.

Who are the children that Monroe Harding serves?

Monroe Harding serves children ages 0 to 18. Our greatest need is for foster families willing to care for sibling groups and teenagers. We also support children who are medically fragile or have special needs.

Can I adopt my foster child?

The primary goal for children in foster care is reunification with their birth family. If reunification is not possible and the permanency plan changes to adoption, foster parents may be eligible to adopt the child in their care.

Why should I foster through Monroe Harding?

Monroe Harding provides dedicated support from a team that knows your family by name, trauma-informed training, personalized coaching, clinical resources, essential supplies, and a community of foster parents who understand the journey.

What does it mean to be a Trauma Informed Healing Community?

A Trauma Informed Healing Community recognizes the impact of trauma on children and families and responds with compassion, understanding, and evidence-based practices that promote healing, safety, and resilience.

Foster Care | Monroe Harding Foster Care & Youth Services

How to Become a Foster Parent

Every child deserves the stability of a safe, loving home where children and youth can heal, grow, and experience a sense of belonging. Right now, there are children waiting for a home like yours, and by fostering, you can provide that consistency during a critical time in a young person’s life. If you’ve ever felt called to make a difference, fostering with Monroe Harding may be your next step toward changing a child’s life and transforming your own.

Monroe Harding recruits, trains, and supports foster families across Middle Tennessee who can provide safe homes for children and youth in state custody. Our greatest need is for families willing to foster teens and sibling groups.

From training and the home study process to placement and ongoing support, Monroe Harding walks alongside foster parents every step of the way.

Benefits of Fostering with Monroe Harding

Support Every Step of the Way
From your first conversation with us through placement, Monroe Harding provides dedicated support from a team that knows your family by name and a community of foster parents who understand the journey.
Training That Empowers
Our trauma-informed training provides practical tools to help foster parents understand trauma, build trust, and respond to the needs ofchildren in their care.
Support for the Whole Family
Every child is unique. We provide personalized coaching, clinical resources, and essential supplies (like diapers and school gear) to ensure your family has everything it needs to succeed.
Helping Children Build Stability
Whether you are keeping siblings together or mentoring a teenager, you are changing a life's trajectory. You provide the stability they need to imagine a future filled with possibility.
You Become Part of a Mission That Matters
At Monroe Harding, you’re not just fostering — you’re helping build brighter futures for children and teens who deserve stability, belonging, and hope.

Foster Communities
We Serve

Monroe Harding recruits and supports foster families across all 41 Middle Tennessee counties:

The "Little Things" That Make a Big Difference

We know that the small details matter. To support your family and bring joy to the children in your care, we provide:

Essential Supplies: Free diapers, wipes, school supplies, clothes, and food provided throughout the year to help ease the transition.
Family Adventures: Access to free tickets for sporting events, the arts, summer camps, and local adventures to help your family bond and create memories.
Annual Celebrations: We host a special Christmas party with gifts for all children (including birth siblings) and dedicated Foster Parent Appreciation events just for you.
Community Give-Aways: Regular access to donated items shared with the agency, ensuring you always have the resources you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

See all FAQs

Foster Care

How to Become a Foster Parent

The Foster Parent Process

Becoming an approved foster parent with Monroe Harding includes three primary steps:

Submit an Application
& Background Screening

Complete Training &
Home Study

Obtain Approval &
Placement Matching

Benefits of Fostering with Monroe Harding

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to Begin Your Foster Care Journey?

Foster Care

How to Become a Foster Parent

The Foster Parent Process

Becoming an approved foster parent with Monroe Harding includes three primary steps:

Submit an Application & Background Screening

Complete Training & Home Study

Obtain Approval & Placement Matching

Benefits of Fostering with Monroe Harding

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to Begin Your Foster Care Journey?

Submit an Application
& Background Screening

Complete Training &
Home Study

Obtain Approval &
Placement Matching