Adult Foster Care

There is no age limit on caring

Many of us are familiar with foster care for children in Alabama. But how many of us realize that there are many adults that need a foster home as well?

Through hardships or circumstances beyond their control, many adults find themselves in need of a "helping hand." Many are elderly men or women whose families are unable or unavailable to care for them. Others may be elderly or disabled young adults who are on their own and cannot care for themselves.

Are these adults any less deserving of our devotion and care simply because they are older? Absolutely not.

Foster care for an elderly or young disabled adult not only warms their hearts and minds (as well as yours); it allows them to remain a vital part of our community.

Who are adults that need care?

Adults (age 18 and older) that cannot live alone nor with their natural families due to risk of abuse, neglect, exploitation

Adults who have no families of their own, or have families that are unable to care for them

Handicapped or elderly persons who have been neglected, abused or exploited

Adults that can live safely in a normal family home setting, but who may require assistance or supervision with dressing, feeding, hygiene or other daily life activities

Adult Foster Care Home Requirements
Your commitment and ability are the key ingredients.

Families or individuals interested in providing foster care for adults are subject to an approval process. The main requirement is to have the ability and desire to provide the type care needed by the person served.

	Foster homes often provide care for only one adult, but are limited to no more than three.
	All adults in foster care have a Social Worker assigned to them to support placement and access necessary services.
	Foster care applicants undergo training and receive the information necessary to prepare for a rewarding family experience.
	Since families are paid for room and board and receive a service fee, those on Public Assistance or Social Security can often be approved as foster homes.

YOU COULD BE AN ADULT FOSTER FAMILY IF...

All members of your family are willing to share their home with an adult who needs care.

All members of your family are responsible, of good character and in good enough health to make the home suitable for a foster adult.

You can provide a safe, comfortable atmosphere and regular, nutritious meals (including special diets, if required).

Your home conforms to sanitation, fire and safety regulations. (Inspection required.)

Your home provides enough space for those receiving foster care (usually each adult has his or her own room).

Family Finders is a collaborative effort of social service agencies to recruit and prepare foster and adoptive homes for children in the custody of the Department of Human Resources and foster homes for vulnerable adults.