Oakland Family Services
Foster care is a service to our community’s most vulnerable children, and placement of children in qualified foster homes is Oakland Family Services’ highest goal. Our agency believes that all children have a right to a family, and foster parents give them caring, stable homes until problem situations in their own homes are resolved. Reunification of biological families is the primary goal of foster care, and foster parents are key members of a dedicated, interdisciplinary team that works in harmony to meet a child’s physical, emotional, social and developmental needs.
Foster parents can be single or couples and can rent or own an apartment, mobile home, or single-family home. There is no minimum education or income requirement to become a foster parent.
Services and information
- Traditional Foster Care
- Emergency Foster Care
- Respite Foster Care
- Adoption
- Other
Requirements to become a foster parent
Parents can access the Michigan Foster Care Portal (MFCP), which is a tool that helps expedite licensure. The portal can track progress and list the next steps a foster parent needs to take. The MFCP also contains FAQs and helpful guides for parents.
In addition to online tools, foster families also receive some financial support. How much they receive depends on the child's age and needs. Parents may also be entitled to additional reimbursement that covers care costs.
Plus, foster families can access many local and state-wide support organizations and advocacy groups. These groups provide resources, answer questions, and are happy to help form connections between foster parents.
Your foster care agency is always there if you have questions or concerns. Their goal is to ensure the child's well-being and assist parents through the fostering process and beyond.
Another path you might want to consider is co-parenting with the birth parents. The end goal in most foster cases is to reunite a child with their parents or primary caregiver. You'll work with the birth parents anyway to set up visitations, and co-parenting can make your job easier.
Working further with the birth parents can also make the entire fostering process less stressful for a child. They won't feel as if they have to "choose" between homes and families.
Ratings and Reviews
Average user rating
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May 26, 2017
My daughter really like the therapist there
Feb 17, 2017
I remember being in the foster services here when I was younger. the staff was wonderful, the treated the kids great. Could not ask for a better staff.
Jan 13, 2017
Very kind, nice and polite!
Nov 25, 2016
Most of my dealings with OFS is work related as I am a vendor of theirs. I can tell you though, they are a great bunch of people. My wife and I would have used them for our adoptions if they weren't so far from our home.
Oct 30, 2016
Great service!