The Baby Fold
Every child deserves to be loved and protected.
Do you have a patient and nurturing personality? Would giving children an opportunity to grow into their best selves make you happy? Are you willing to open your heart and home to a child in need, even if it's just temporary?
Whether you're seeking more information, looking to understand the requirements, or ready to start the licensing process, we would greatly appreciate the opportunity to connect with you and discuss how you can become an esteemed member of our foster care team.
The Baby Fold has been serving children and families since 1902. We currently serve over 1200 individuals every year through 12 programs that wrap services around children and families across 28 counties in Central Illinois.
The Baby Fold builds positive futures with children and families while reflecting the Christian principles of love, hope, and healing.
Services and information
- Traditional Foster Care
- Emergency Foster Care
- Respite Foster Care
- Adoption
- Other
Requirements to become a foster parent
You must meet minimum requirements to provide foster care for children in Illinois. To become a foster parent, you must:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Attend foster parent orientation
- Pass a background check
- Finish 30 hours of foster parent training
- Complete the Home Study
- Provide at least three references
- Clear a physical exam
- Maintain financial stability
Foster families must be able to provide a safe and comfortable home for a child. You must provide room for the child to have a bed and enough space for personal belongings.
Foster parents do not need to be married or have a partner. However, if married, couples must show a stable marriage of at least one year before they can foster a child in Illinois.
Foster parents need to meet a child's basic care needs, such as providing meals and clothing. Foster families must also support a foster child's education and assist them in developing social skills.
Contact the DCFS or a local licensed child-placing agency to learn more or begin the fostering approval process.
Ratings and Reviews
Average user rating
4.6 / 55 | |
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Jul 03, 2023
What a wonderful School
Oct 18, 2022
A wonderful place where staff work tirelessly to make sure children are safe, healthy, and well.
Mar 07, 2021
This was my first childhood home. They do take very good parents in their care
Oct 19, 2020
My son goes to school here very caring loving staff
Jan 27, 2020
Wish i could give it zero stars. i am a student at hammitt jr-sr high school, everybody there does not accept responsibility for what they do to us students. There are no cameras in the school so it is staff word against a students word! IT SHOULDN'T BE THIS WAY!!!!!