Children separated from their parents need a safe, temporary place to call home.
Children separated from their parents need a safe, temporary place to call home.
I want to learn more
Unaccompanied minors waiting to be reunited with their families need a safe place to call home. We’re looking for families to welcome them for a short stay. Will you give them the home they need now?
FAQs about short-term immigrant foster care
What is short-term immigrant foster care?
Short-term immigrant foster care—also called transitional foster care—provides a safe, temporary home to unaccompanied children while we pursue their reunification with family in the United States.
Do I have to speak Spanish?
No. While bilingual parents make fantastic foster parents, it’s not required that you speak another language. Bethany provides translators and interpreters to ensure the kids in your care receive the support they need.
How old are the kids?
Most children in this program are ages 10-15.
How long does a child need care?
A typical stay is about 1-2 months, but may be more or less depending on the child’s and their family's needs.
Where do the children come from?
Unaccompanied children needing foster care are fleeing community violence and unsafe conditions in Central America, with the most common countries being Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador. However, they may also flee violence from other countries, and the U.S. is their first country of asylum.
Do I need to be licensed?
Yes. Bethany provides a fully-integrated program, including licensing and training, case management, a daily educational curriculum, and primary and behavioral health support.
What’s my role as a foster parent for unaccompanied children?
Foster parents are asked to provide a safe environment and a loving home for a child during a difficult life transition. Foster parents provide transportation to and from school, emotional support, and serve as a valued member of our treatment teams that help to assess and meet the needs of each child.
How much does it cost to be a foster parent?
Foster parents receive a tax-free stipend when the child is placed in the home as well as a daily stipend for the number of days the child is in care. The stipend covers daily needs such as food and recreational activities.
Short stay. Long impact.
Imagine facing violence, extreme poverty, unexpected separation from your family, gang extortion, or sex trafficking—all before the age of 12. That’s the reality for many unaccompanied children seeking asylum.
As a foster parent, you'll provide a safe, temporary home for a child until they can be reunited with a family member.
Got questions?
This is a big decision and it’s natural to have questions.
Connect with our team of experts to hear more about how you can help support children and families in your community.
The journey of an unaccompanied migrant child
Find out how kids end up separated from family in the U.S.—and how you can help.