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Public Health — (336) 703-3100
Social Services — (336) 703-3800
Behavioral Health — (336) 703-2781
Bridges to Hope — (336) 776-3255

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ Categories

Foster Care

Who are Foster-Adopt Resource Parents?

Foster-Adopt Resource Parents are individuals and couples who parent children who are in Foster Care.

How are the child's financial needs met?

Monthly compensation and medical coverage is provided to help cover the child's basic needs.

Who are the children in Foster Care that need you?

  • Children who are unable to live with their birth parent(s)
  • Sibilings who desire to live together
  • Older children and teenagers
  • Children with medical and other special needs

Why do children enter Foster Care?

Children enter Foster Care when their safety or well-being can not be guaranteed where they were living, or children who have been found to be abused or neglected by the court.

What happens when they are in Foster Care?

Social Services works with the birth family to rectify the reasons that the child(ren) had to enter Foster Care. The initial goal is for the child(ren) to return to a safe home with their birth family.

What happens when children are unable to return home?

When children are unable to return to a safe home with their birth family, Social Services works to legally free them so they can be adopted. Foster-Adopt Resource Parents can be considered as a possible forever family for our children.

Who is needed to be an effective Foster-Adopt Resource Parent?

  • People 21 years of age or older
  • Singles or couples
  • Legal residents
  • People with adequate Income for their own family
  • Clear criminal record

What are the steps to become a Foster-Adopt Resource Parent?

  • 30 hours of free specialized training
  • Home consultations with a social worker
  • Becoming First Aid and CPR Certified
  • Completing medical exams
  • Criminal record checks
  • Agreeing to agency policies
  • Submit names for reference checks

How many foster homes are needed? 

Many. Our goal is to meet the needs of individual children. Some of our special needs are homes for teenagers, infants, medically fragile children, and sibling groups.

Do foster parents have a choice of age, gender, and number of foster children placed in their homes? 

Yes. This is dependent on the space available in the home. Forsyth County's decision and the foster parents' preference. However, we typically license a home to receive any child from ages 0-18.

Are foster parents paid for the care of foster children in their homes? 

Foster parents receive a monthly reimbursement payment for the child's room & board, clothing, allowance and any other expenses pertaining to the child. Medical and dental expenses are usually covered by Medicaid.

How long will the child remain in a foster home? 

It varies, depending on the child's particular situation. Some children may stay only a short period of time, while others may stay several months or longer.

Do you have to be married or own a home to be a foster parent? 

No. You can be married, single, divorced, widowed, etc. You do not have to own a home, however you must have stable & appropriate housing.

Can foster children be adopted? 

Yes. Forsyth County DSS's primary goal is to reunite families. However, when that goal is not able to be achieved, foster parents often become the adoptive placement for the child in their home.

What legal authority do foster parents have in regard to foster children?

None. DSS, as the legal guardian, assumes responsibility for overall planning and initiation of all legal proceedings on behalf of the youth in foster care.

Can foster parents work?  

Yes. Vouchers are available to pay for day care services for foster children at specified day care centers for working foster parents.

How are the child's financial needs met?

Monthly compensation and medical coverage is provided to help cover the child's basic needs.

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Contact Us

Public Health

799 North Highland Avenue
Winston Salem, NC 27101
Phone: 336-703-3100
Fax: 336-748-3292

Social Services

741 North Highland Avenue
Winston Salem, NC 27101
Phone: 336-703-3800
Fax: 336-727-2842

Bridges to Hope

725 North Highland Avenue
Winston Salem, NC 27101
Phone: 336-776-3255

Animal Shelter

5570 Stturmer Park Circle
Winston Salem, NC 27105
Phone: 336-703-2480

Behavioral Health Services



Phone: 336-703-2600

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