Foster Care
Safety and Security
We believe in the power of healing and restoration. At Catholic Charities West Michigan, foster care is a step toward reuniting families and building thriving homes.
When children are temporarily removed from their parents due to abuse or neglect, we seek to surround them with love, stability, and safety during this transition. This chapter in the child’s life is critical- not just for their physical safety, but for their emotional and developmental wellbeing.
Foster Families
For over 50 years, we have been working with foster families whose love and support have allowed many of these children and teens to safely reunite with their parents, be cared for by relatives, or be adopted by loving families.
Our foster families are partners of hope, providing the nurturing environment children need to feel secure and supported. While the birth family works toward reunification, foster parents play a vital role in ensuring each child is cared for with dignity and compassion.
We needs foster parents in West Michigan for children in our community who come into our care. These kids need nurturing adults on their side.
Faith and Fostering Panel
Interested in becoming a foster parent or just looking for more general information? Join us at our upcoming “Faith and Fostering”, foster care informational session! Please RSVP to Amy Pereira at apereira@ccwestmi.org to register!
January 18th, 2026 (St. Jude Parish: Brophy Center – After the 10:30am Mass)
Unable to make one of these times? Contact Bernadette Joyce at bjoyce@ccwestmi.org to schedule a time.
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What are My Next Steps?
The licensing process involves an in-depth home study, including criminal and protective services background checks on all individuals over 18 years old living in the home. We are confident that our foster care program offers a high level of support and service. Our staff works very hard to assure that our foster parents are well prepared for every child placed in their home. When emergencies arise, 24-hour support is always available.
- Step 1: Complete an orientation. Our orientations are typically two hours long and completed in the applicants home at their convenience. At orientation, a trained specialist will answer questions, learn about the applicants family, and overview all State required materials. An application for licensure will be provided to applicants at orientation.
- Step 2: Submit an application for licensure and complete all finger printing and background checks.
- Step 3: Work with a trained licensing specialist. Our diligent licensing specialists quickly respond to questions and concerns as well as do in depth interviews and gather necessary paperwork. Once your home study is written and complete, your specialist will send the application off to the State of Michigan for final approval or denial.
- Step 4: The licensing processes can take up to 6 months or longer depending on how quickly the applicant turns in required materials and completes required trainings.