Foster Care
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Foster Care
Have Haven Children’s Center believes every child deserves a safe and loving home. Every day in the State of Texas, children are removed from their birth families because of abuse, neglect or abandonment and desperately need the care of a loving family.
Through our foster care program, Have Haven partners with couples and individuals who can provide temporary care for children until they can return home safely. When a child is removed from the birth home, Child Protective Services will contact Have Haven or another community agency to help place that child in a foster family. Some of these children are eventually reunited with their birth families, but there are also many children who are unable to be reunited and are ‘legally free’ for adoption.
Through our foster care to adoption program, Have Haven supports couples and individuals wanting to adopt children who are in foster care and need a loving forever family. To view the requirements of a foster parent, please see our Prospective Parent information below.
Prospective Parents
We are so glad you are interested in fostering with Have Haven!
Here’s a list of some requirements for foster parents in Texas:
– Age Requirement: You must be at least 21 years old to foster in Texas.
– Living Space: Your home must meet safety standards and have enough space to accommodate the foster child, including a separate bed for each child and enough room for their belongings.
– Background Checks: All household members over the age of 14 must pass background checks.
– Training: Complete a pre-service training program, which includes courses on child care, behavior management, trauma-informed care, and more.
– Home Study: Undergo a home study conducted by our Parent Developer to assess your home environment, lifestyle, and readiness to foster
– Stable Income: A regular and stable income sufficient to meet your family’s needs.
– References: Provide personal references who can attest to your character, lifestyle, and ability to care for a child.
For questions or more information, visit our Contact Us page or schedule a meeting through the Meeting tab above. We’re here to help!
Family and Friend Stories
Some families and individuals that know us have shared their experiences with us. We thought we would share them with our readers.
Have Haven
Have Haven has proudly served as both a residential treatment center and a child-placing agency for over 24 years, impacting the lives of thousands of children. One of the most rewarding aspects of our work is witnessing the success of the children we’ve supported. Some have been successfully reunited with their families, while others have pursued higher education. One memorable year, we celebrated five high school graduates heading off to college, such as Sam Houston University, University of Houston, etc., as well as vocational programs.
It’s equally heartwarming to see some of our former residents serving our country in the Air Force and the marines while others have become working parents, raising their own children with the love and care they deserve.
The joy and rewards of fostering are immeasurable. Every small victory, from a child’s first smile to their high school graduation, brings an unparalleled sense of fulfillment to foster parents. It’s in these moments that foster families realize the profound impact they’re making, not just for today but for a lifetime. Seeing a child thrive and knowing you’ve been part of that journey is one of the greatest gifts fostering offers. The bonds formed and the lives touched through fostering create lasting memories and a legacy of love and support that will be cherished for years to come.
Our Foster Families
Our foster families are dedicated to loving and providing for the children in their care, offering them opportunities they might not have had otherwise. Each family brings unique experiences to these children’s lives, such as enrolling them in dance competitions, soccer leagues, basketball teams, ROTC, and STEM clubs.
Some families take their foster children on memorable adventures like cruises to the Caribbean, trips to Disneyland, or road trips to Ohio, Louisiana, and Florida. Others provide enriching experiences like karate classes, gym memberships for family workouts, fishing trips, and passes to water parks. Additionally, some foster families go above and beyond by helping these children purchase a car, enroll in driver’s education, and secure their first job.
The care and opportunities our foster families provide make a lasting impact on these children’s lives. They help build confidence, independence, and a sense of belonging that extends far beyond their time in foster care. By opening their hearts and homes, these families play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the children they nurture.
Kinship Care
Our Kinship Care Experience
Our experience with Kinship Care has been incredibly rewarding. We’ve primarily worked with grandparents who have stepped in to care for their grandchildren. After fostering them for a time, these grandparents often go on to adopt their grandchildren, allowing the children to grow up within their own biological family. It’s a truly heartwarming journey to witness.
Kinship care is a form of foster care where a child is placed with a relative or close family friend instead of with non-relatives. This arrangement allows the child to stay connected to their family, culture, and community while ensuring they receive the care and support they need. Kinship care provides a sense of stability and familiarity during challenging times, making it a vital option in the foster care system.