© 2025 Buckhorn

Foster Parent

The Love You Give Makes a Difference

Many at-risk children in Kentucky feel unloved and have nowhere to call home. As Matthew 18:4-5 reminds us, welcoming a child in need is a noble act of compassion. At Buckhorn Children & Family Services, we provide safety, healing, and hope to children who have often experienced neglect and trauma.

If you have space in your home and heart, consider becoming a treatment foster parent. Your care can offer a child the stability and belonging they desperately need to heal and thrive.

How to Become a BCFS Foster Parent

To join our mission, foster parents must:

  • Be at least 21 years old (per Kentucky state regulations).
  • Have emotional and financial stability, a responsible and patient nature, and a good sense of humor.
  • Cooperate closely with the Case Manager and Treatment Team.
  • Maintain appropriate vehicle insurance and have reliable telephone access.
  • Keep daily progress documentation and medication logs.
  • Cannot operate other social services (like daycare) in the foster home without approval.
Home RequirementsSanitationSafety
  • Be accessible to schools, recreation, churches, medical care, and community facilities.
  • The premises shall be free from objects, materials, and conditions which constitute a danger to the occupants.
  • Play area(s) are provided both in and out of doors and suited to the age needs of the youth in the home.
  • Sanitary and working equipment for the safe preparation, storage, serving, and cleaning of foods.
  • Comfortable dining area furnished with sufficient furniture so that all members of the household can eat together.
  • Sufficient living or family room area, a minimum of one flush toilet, one wash basin with running water, one bathtub or shower with hot and cold water, and items necessary for personal hygiene and grooming.
  • Bedroom space to allow individual occupants sufficient living space. Beds must be age and size-appropriate for the youth placed. Adequate storage space will be allotted for the foster youth’s personal belongings.
  • The home shall be clean and free of hazards to the health and physical wellbeing of the family.
  • The home shall have a continuous supply of clean drinking water, and all plumbing shall be kept in working order.
  • The home shall have an adequate supply of hot water for bathing and dishwashing.
  • The water supply and sanitation of the home must comply with all requirements of local health authorities.
  • The home must be free of rodents and insects.
  • Foster parents must immediately report any changes within the home that may affect the safety, wellbeing, and/or treatment of the youth in care to their Case Manager, Program Manager, or other agency representative when unable to reach one of the above. (Such changes may include structural damages, the addition or removal of a household member, divorce/marriage, addition of a pet, play area, swimming pool, etc.).
  • The home shall be well-heated and well-ventilated.
  • A telephone or other means for immediate access to communication with the outside community shall be available.
  • Ammunition and unloaded firearms shall be locked up in separate places. Firearms and other such weapons must be kept in a locked cabinet/closet at all times. A foster child is not permitted to come in contact with firearms or other such weapons without prior permission from the youth’s legal guardian and the youth’s successful completion of an approved Hunter’s Safety Course. At no time will a youth in Therapeutic Foster Care (TFC)/Adoption Services (AS) be permitted to own a firearm.
  • The home shall be free from fire hazards, such as faulty electric cords and appliances, unsafe fireplaces and chimneys, and/or inside accumulations of clutter and/or trash.
  • Operating smoke alarms/detectors on each level of the home and a portable ABC-type fire extinguisher in the cooking area of the home are required.
  • Combustible items shall be stored away from heat sources.
  • All home heating units and other hot surfaces shall be shielded against accidental contact. Foster parents who have solid fuel heating stoves, systems, and fireplaces are expected to have them properly installed, maintained, and operated.
  • The home shall have carbon monoxide detectors when gas/kerosene-type heat or a gas cooking stove is used in the home. Carbon monoxide detectors will also be required if you have a garage that is attached to the living quarters.
  • All foster family homes shall have two doors that provide unrestricted exits, in case of fire. Occupied bedrooms may not be locked from the outside. Foster parents shall have an evacuation and disaster plan and share it with each youth. Fire drills are required to be completed monthly; disaster drills must be completed quarterly.

Learn More

About the Treatment Foster Care & Adoption Program at Buckhorn Children & Family Services!

Steps to become a foster parent

  • Complete the application and interviews
  • Submit all required documentation
  • Participate in training sessions

If you’re ready to offer a child a safe, loving home and be part of their journey to recovery and hope, contact us today.

Natasha Ratliff

Recruitment and Certification Specialist

For Help, please call our

Hotline at 1-800-472-3678

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