Your way to the application

If you have any questions about applying to become a foster carer or taking in or accompanying a foster child, it is best to contact your local youth welfare office, the foster children's service in your town or a recognized independent provider directly.

Simply explained

Are you interested in taking in a foster child? In this case, talk to the youth welfare office responsible for your place of residence, the foster children's service in your town or a recognized independent provider. The specialists will be happy to inform you about the requirements and the application process as well as the current demand situation.

On the Familienportal.NRW, you will find detailed information on various important issues relating to foster parenthood in the "Foster families" section. These include: What does it mean to take in a foster child? What does the application process look like? How does arrival and living together work?

On the topic of foster families

Did you already know? More benefits for families

Families are entitled to state benefits

Families and parents with children are supported by the state with various family policy measures. The benefits are designed to relieve the financial burden on families, enable parents and children to lead a good life and make it easier to combine family and career. Family policy benefits include, for example, child benefit, child supplement, advance maintenance payments and many other benefits.

learn more

To the interactive PDF