Foster Care


Foster parents play a critical role in the care and development of abused, neglected and orphaned children. Being a foster parent is a vital ministry to precious children who often come from tragic circumstances. Foster care placements can either be short-term or long-term depending on the unique circumstances of the child. While a child is in foster care we work with the child’s family to remediate the problems that caused the child to be removed, and if possible, reunite the child with their parents. In many cases, foster children go on to be placed in permanent adoptive homes

  • The Baxley Family The Baxley Family The Baxley’s received their foster care license in 2009 and were originally licensed for just two foster children, but their capabilities and the desires of their heart soon went beyond that.
  • The Bump Family The Bump Family Christian foster parents, John and Krista Bump have joined God in his work by caring for precious little children who have been removed from the homes of their biological parents for many reasons, including abuse and neglect.
  • The Jacobs family The Jacobs family Richard & Christine Jacobs get a playground workout with their latest foster child. The couple’s first foster child was an infant named Mariah. The Jacobses were able to lead Mariah’s father to the Lord and help the man get custody of his daughter The Jacobs family Richard & Christine Jacobs get a playground workout with their latest foster child. The couple’s first foster child was an infant named Mariah. The Jacobses were able to lead Mariah’s father to the Lord and help the man get custody of his daughter.
  • The Beasley Family The Beasley Family Valerie Beasley catches a brief moment with her two active adopted children Rebecca (left) age 7 and Anthony (right) age 10. She served as a foster parent to both children before adopting them. The Beasley Family Valerie Beasley catches a brief moment with her two active adopted children Rebecca (left) age 7 and Anthony (right) age 10. She served as a foster parent to both children before adopting them.
  • The Senterfitt Family The Senterfitt Family Laurel Hill residents Kim & Jerry Senterfitt have ministered to more than 60 children in the 10 years they have been foster parents for Florida Baptist Children’s Homes. The couple lives on a 180-acre farm in this northwest Florida community north of Fort Walton Beach. She owns and operates The Hair Barn where she works as a cosmetologist. Jerry is employed by Okaloosa School Board..” The Senterfitt Family Laurel Hill residents Kim & Jerry Senterfitt have ministered to more than 60 children in the 10 years they have been foster parents for Florida Baptist Children’s Homes. The couple lives on a 180-acre farm in this northwest Florida community north of Fort Walton Beach. She owns and operates The Hair Barn where she works as a cosmetologist. Jerry is employed by Okaloosa School Board.
  • Foster Parents Celebration Foster Parents Celebration Foster parents and their children from the Central Florida area enjoyed a special foster parent appreciation day at the Lakeland campus of the Florida Baptist Children’s Homes. The kids enjoyed swimming in the pool, flying kites, and playing with water balloons, while foster parents took the opportunity to fellowship with one another. Foster Parents Celebration Foster parents and their children from the Central Florida area enjoyed a special foster parent appreciation day at the Lakeland campus of the Florida Baptist Children’s Homes. The kids enjoyed swimming in the pool, flying kites, and playing with water balloons, while foster parents took the opportunity to fellowship with one another.

 

Click on the pictures above to read more about the foster care stories

 

Foster Care is a part of our Community Ministries program and as such foster families receive continual support from FBCH.

Becoming a Foster Parent

The Florida Baptist Children’s Homes seeks adults who have a sense of calling and then carefully screens and trains foster parents. We look for caring, Christian adults who will open up their home to a child, and where possible, to multiple children in order to provide them with the love, safety, and security that all children deserve. The Children’s Homes conducts a 10-week required training for prospective foster parents as well as providing on-going, hands-on assistance to foster parents as they serve.

What are the steps to becoming a Foster Parent?

  1. Meet the eligibility requirements.
  2. Complete the application process and be approved.
  3. Complete the appropriate training (if required).
  4. Receive placement of a child!

Some Requirements to Become a Foster Parent

• Be at least 21 years old
• Be in good health (physician’s statement required)
• Have lived in the community for at least six months
• Be an active member of a local church
• Must have supportive character references
• Must be emotionally and financially stable
• Must not have a criminal record (background check required)
• Be willing to work with the child’s biological family
• Must attend 30 hours of foster parent training

We require that you be a professing Christian, be active in a local Christian church, and follow a lifestyle that is consistent with the Christian faith. This determination will be evaluated according to the Word of God, the Baptist Faith and Message, and the judgment of those tasked with this responsibility within our organization.

To contact an office nearest you CLICK HERE