There is a child waiting for you. 

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Thousands of children and adults with disabilities in Arizona are in need of safe and loving temporary or permanent homes. You could be a safe place for them to land.

Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest Foster Care Services assists families that wish to foster children and adults with disabilities in their homes. LSS-SW provides support services to family providers, including:

  • Room & board reimbursement

  • Extensive training

  • Monthly in-home support

  • Emergency support telephone numbers

  • Foster parent mentors

  • Family fun events

  • Respite care

General requirements for becoming a foster care provider

Foster families must be approved by the state through the foster licensing process, which includes orientation, interviews, required training hours, fingerprinting and home study. This process typically takes 4-6 months to complete. Applicants must be:

  • 21 years of age

  • All members of the household must be in agreement to pursue foster care/adoption

  • Can be married or single

  • Sufficient family income

  • Anyone living in the home who is 18 or older must pass a background check and receive a Level 1 Fingerprint Card

  • Your home will be inspected and must pass according to OLCR Guidelines

  • All applicants must attend a minimum 33 hours of pre-service training

  • CPR/First Aid is required

De Crianza Familias deben ser aprobados por el estado a través del proceso de concesión de licencias de crianza, que incluye orientación, entrevistas, horas de capacitación requeridas, las huellas digitales y el hogar estudio. Este proceso suele durar 4-6 meses. Los solicitantes deben ser:

  • 21 años de edad

  • Todos los miembros de la familia deben estar de acuerdo para perseguir cuidado de crianza / adopción

  • Casados o Solteros

  • Suficiente ingreso economico familiar

  • Cualquier persona que viva en el hogar, que es mayor de 18 años debe pasar una revisión de antecedentes y recibir una tarjeta de huellas dactilares de Nivel 1

  • Su casa será inspeccionada y debe pasar de acuerdo a las Directrices OLCR

  • Todos los solicitantes deben asistir a un mínimo de 33 horas de entrenamiento previa al servicio.

  • Haga clic AQUI for orientation and training schedules.

  • Certifacion de Resucitacion Cardiopulmonar (CPR) y Primeros Auxilios (First Aid) son requeridos

LSS-SW also supports in adoption from foster care services to licensed foster parents. Though it is possible to adopt a baby from foster care, the children who are adopted vary in age up to 21 years old, with teenagers often being the highest need. 

How to Get Started

The first step toward becoming a foster parent is to attend an introductory session. At the training, you will have a chance to ask any questions you might have about becoming a foster parent. 


Contact Us

Email: Familyhomes@lss-sw.org
Call: (480) 396-3795 ext. 1305

Family Homes - Foster Care Services
2502 E University Drive, Suite 125
Phoenix, AZ 85034
(480) 396-3795 ext. 1305 Office
(480) 325-3643 Fax

Records Request - Please send all records request to:
email: Familyhomes@lss-sw.org
fax: (480) 641-0739