Thompson has long been the largest provider of foster care services in North Carolina and has now expanded into South Carolina.
The number of foster children continues to rise and the need for foster families becomes more crucial. Children who are removed from their homes due to abuse and neglect carry the weight of broken trust. Each positive interaction they experience in a safe, loving home helps them rebuild that trust and move closer to healing. By simply offering a space filled with love and stability, you become a crucial part of their journey, helping to mend the wounds that will allow them to impact many lives in the future.
Our Foster Care team will walk alongside you every step of the way, offering comprehensive training, guidance on the certification process, ongoing support, and a community of care. Together, we can empower children to thrive, nurture families to grow, and build stronger, healthier communities.
FAQ
· Comprehensive training and 24/7 support
· Financial assistance and Medicaid coverage for the child
· Guidance through the licensing process
· Opportunities to foster children of all ages and backgrounds
Foster parents must:
· Be at least 21 years old
· Pass background checks and a home study
· Have a stable income and a safe home environment
· Complete required foster care training
The licensing process typically takes 3 to 6 months, depending on training completion, background checks, and home study evaluations.
Yes! Foster parents can be single, married, or cohabitating. You can rent or own your home, and you may have biological or adopted children.
What ages and backgrounds are the children in need of foster care?
Children range from newborns to 18 years old. Many have experienced trauma or neglect, and there is a high need for foster parents willing to care for older children and sibling groups.
We offer:
· Pre-licensing training and ongoing education
· 24/7 crisis support and case management
· Therapy and counseling resources
· Respite care when needed
Placements can last from a few days to several months or longer. The length of stay depends on the child’s circumstances and the goal of reunification or adoption.
Yes! Foster parents receive a monthly stipend to help cover the child’s expenses. Children in foster care also receive Medicaid coverage and other state-provided support.
Thompson works with foster families to provide support and, if necessary, find a better placement for the child while ensuring their well-being.
The primary goal of foster care is to reunite children with their birth families. Foster parents support this process by providing a stable, loving environment while birth families work toward reunification.
Step 1: Submit an application
Step 2: Attend an information session
Step 3: Complete pre-licensing training
Step 4: Pass background checks and a home study
Step 5: Get licensed and welcome a child into your home!
Take your first step today and Start Your Foster Journey
Foster Care Locations
Communities We Serve

*FY22-23 Results