Foster Parents: Building better futures one family at a time.
Start your fostering journey today!
Could I be a foster parent?
Resource parents are needed who can provide support for reunification and permanency for older children in care; who can accommodate sibling groups allowing children to remain connected to their siblings; and who can provide care to infants and young children who are in the process of reunification with their biological families. Many children in care have challenging behaviors resulting from their exposure to traumatic events, and resource parents are needed who are willing to learn how to support children and young people to heal, develop permanent connections, and thrive.
Don’t let any of these “can’t” myths stop you.
1. Only married couples can be foster parents.
Singles, same sex couples, unmarried couples, empty nesters and growing families are all welcome to learn more about becoming a foster/adoptive parent. Don’t let your status stop you!
2. Foster parents must own their own home.
It is not necessary to own a home to become a licensed foster/adoptive family. You may rent or own an apartment or a house as long as there is adequate space to add another person. It is even possible for some children to share a bedroom.
3. Foster child expenses are the responsibility of the foster family.
DHHS provides financial support to offset the costs of raising a child. There is also emotional support and training to help you through the rough patches. Children adopted from foster care may be eligible for a financial subsidy, and many qualify for financial aid for college.
4. Only stay-at-home parents can be foster parents.
Many foster parents are also working parents. If you don’t feel ready to become a full time foster parent, maybe short term respite or emergency care is a better fit for you.
Ready to find out more? Call (844) 893-6311 or complete our form and we will get right back to you!
Are You Wondering?
What type of child would be placed and how long would they live with me?
Children enter foster care through no fault of their own. Due to a number of reasons, at least in the moment, their parents are unable to care for them. Many children entering foster care will be reunited with their birth parents or extended family members. Other children will need an adoptive home, and sometimes foster parents become their child’s adoptive family.
Children in foster care range from 0 to 21 years old, have experienced trauma, and may have a hard time trusting adults. Some children may have emotional or physical challenges which have the best outcomes when they are part of a family.
There is a special need for resource parents who are able to welcome older youth, sibling groups of three or more children, or infants and young children while supporting the work of reunification with their birth families.
What kind of support is available to foster parents?
Foster families are connected with a DHHS licensing staff and have regular contact with a case worker. There are peer supports, support groups, events, and a community of foster families across the state that support one another, with additional supports available.
Where do I find out more information?
The first step is to contact A Family for ME. We will answer your questions and help you get started when you are ready. Call us at 1-844-893-6311 or complete our form.
Not ready to be licensed?
Here are a few ways you can help support children in foster care!
1.Talk to friends and family about foster care — they may be inspired!
2. Invite a recruiter to speak to a community group or set up a table at an event
3. Volunteer to hang fliers in your community
4. Volunteer to staff a table
Contact us for more information!
Who is A Family for ME
A Family for ME is a partnership between the Department of Health and Human Services and Spurwink Services, with the focus of raising awareness of the urgent need and finding Maine families who are willing and able to parent children in foster care.
Meet The Staff
Jaynelle Smith is the Recruitment Supervisor for A Family for ME. Her experience includes services to children and families with Spurwink’s treatment foster care program. She has spent the last 20 years of her career working with communities to educate them on the need for foster care in Maine. She enjoys professional networking and advocating for healthy environments for children. She has a master’s degree in Public Health and is a licensed social worker for the State of Maine. In her personal time, Jaynelle loves running, yoga, kayaking, boating, camping, traveling, and anything that involves her family.
Stephanie Shue is the Recruitment Specialist for York, Cumberland & Sagadahoc counties. She is a former and long-standing advocate for victims of domestic violence. Stephanie brings with her a wealth of knowledge regarding recruitment, collaborative efforts with community members, public speaking and training, volunteer engagement, and helping people in need. In her personal time, Stephanie enjoys reading, working out, traveling, and spending time with her family.
Catherine Colombo is the Recruitment Specialist for Kennebec and Somerset counties. Cate comes to A Family for ME with over 30 years of experience in Hospitality and Business Management, and studied Sociology at the University of Maine. She has always been passionate about public health and wellness and looks forward to applying her skills to helping Maine families become licensed resource homes. In her spare time, Cate enjoys gardening and spending time with her family.
Amy Bergeron is the Recruitment Specialist for Penobscot, Piscataquis, and Aroostook counties. She applies her 15 years of experience in the fields of recruitment and human resources to assist the A Family for ME team in spreading awareness regarding the critical need for resource parents in Maine. Amy enjoys spending her personal time with her family, pets, and various civic/volunteer commitments.
Patricia Tate is a Recruitment Specialist for Hancock, Washington, Waldo, Knox and Lincoln counties. She graduated from the University of Maine in Orono. She brings with her experience as a Recruiter and a Behavior Health Professional. She believes every child deserves a place to call home. In her personal time, Patricia enjoys spending time at the lake with family and friends swimming, boating, kayaking and bike riding
Christine Brown is the Recruitment Specialist for Androscoggin, Oxford, and Franklin counties, and is also the Community Outreach Coordinator for A Family for ME. She is a graduate of the University of Southern Maine. Christine began her employment at Spurwink Services in 2014 as a Treatment Foster Care Support Specialist and added the role of Community Outreach Coordinator in 2019. She has more than 25 years of experience working with children in a variety of professional settings and currently manages the AFfME volunteer program. In her free time, Christine enjoys kayaking and home improvement projects.
Crista Jakacky is the Marketing and Communications Specialist for A Family for Me. She has several years of experience in small business management and a background in sales. She has studied Multimedia and Communications at Beal University and the University of Maine at Augusta. She is passionate about social justice causes, music, writing, and anything related to the arts. Crista performs locally in a musical duo act and enjoys writing, graphic designing, kayaking, home improvement projects, and spending time with her family.
Connect with us!
A few success stories
There are many positive experiences and outcomes from fostering. Although we could not begin to capture all of them, here are a few examples from foster parents, and children who have been fostered.
Reaching out is the first step to changing a child’s life.
Fill out the form below and we’ll be in touch with you.
The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) does not discriminate on the basis of race or color, sex, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, genetic information, religion, age, ancestry or national origin, whistleblower activity, or marital status in admission to, access to, or operations of its programs, services, or activities, or its hiring or employment practices. This notice is provided as required by Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and in accordance with the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Food Stamp Act of 1977, as amended, and the Maine Human Rights Act and Executive Order Regarding State of Maine Contracts for Services. Questions, concerns, complaints or requests for additional information regarding the ADA and programs, services, or activities may be forwarded to DHHS’ ADA /Civil Rights Coordinator, #11 State House Station, Augusta, Maine 04333, 207-287-5014 (V). Questions, concerns, complaints or requests for additional information regarding the ADA and hiring or employment practices may be forwarded to DHHS’ ADA/EEO Coordinators, #11 State House Station, Augusta, Maine 04333, 207-287-4289 (V) or 207-287-1871. TTY users call Maine relay 711. Individuals who need auxiliary aids for effective communication in programs and services of DHHS are invited to make their needs and preferences known to the ADA /Civil Rights Coordinator. This notice is available in alternate formats, upon request.