Foster Care in Georgia

Together We Thrive

Since 1994, the National Youth Advocate Program (NYAP) has provided exceptional foster care services throughout Georgia. With offices in Augusta, Macon, Richmond Hill/Savannah, and Tucker/Atlanta, our Georgia foster care program offers consistent, local support to children, youth, and foster families across the state.

Apply Today

Georgia’s Philosophy on Foster Care

Our foster parents are considered vital, active members of the child or youth’s treatment team. This distinction is critical as it changes the expectations for foster parents from those who provide food, shelter, safety, and basic nurturing to a much broader vision that establishes foster parents as active, knowledgeable participants in the service of traumatized children and youth. Our foster care services embody an unconditional commitment to the success of every child and youth served. Unconditional commitment means we never stop believing in the ability of those we serve to heal, grow, and thrive.

Georgia Foster Care Programs

In Georgia, foster care is not a one-size-fits-all. Children and youth experiencing foster care have unique needs and the system offers different levels of care designed to best meet those needs. Georgia’s levels of foster care include:

Basic Foster Care

This level is for children and youth in need of a temporary place to live due to family challenges

Moderate Treatment Foster Care

This level is for children and youth with more significant needs who require more supervision and support beyond basic foster care

Intensive Treatment Foster Care

This level is for children and youth with the most complex needs, who require specialized care and therapeutic interventions

Your Journey to Becoming a NYAP Foster Parent

Our employees in Georgia will guide you through each step of becoming a foster parent. Throughout this process, our experienced team provides personalized guidance and answers your questions.

Reach Out
Submit a foster parent inquiry form or contact your local office

Attend Information Session
Learn more about becoming a Georgia foster parent

Complete Pre-Service Training
Gain essential knowledge and skills needed to meet the unique needs of our children and youth

Home Study Process
Work with our team to complete Georgia’s foster licensing requirements

Licensing
Receive your Georgia foster care license within 45-60 days of initial contact

Welcome Your First Child or Youth
Start changing lives through fostering

Georgia Foster Parent Requirements

Becoming a foster parent means joining a diverse community of caregivers committed to the wellbeing of children, youth, and families. NYAP welcomes applicants who are:

  • At least 21 years old

  • Eager to commit their time and heart to a child or youth in need

  • In good physical and mental health

  • Financially able to sustain their household without foster care payments

  • Able to provide a safe, welcoming living space for a youth's comfort and privacy

  • Willing to complete local, state, and federal background checks

  • Free from history with Child Protective Services

Frequently Asked Questions
About NYAP’s Foster Care Services
in Georgia

  • Georgia foster parents complete comprehensive pre-service training before licensing and continue with ongoing education throughout their fostering journey. Training in Georgia includes the impact of trauma on child and youth development, behavior and crisis management, maintaining child and youth safety, and understanding Georgia's child welfare system.

  • Yes. Georgia foster parents can live in apartments, condominiums, or houses. The key requirement is having a safe, welcoming space for a youth’s privacy and comfort.

  • Our Georgia team provides 24/7 crisis support through our on-call system. Our experienced team offers immediate guidance, in-home intervention when needed, and access to additional resources across our local offices.

  • Youth experiencing Georgia's foster care system typically receive Medicaid coverage for medical, dental, and mental health services. Our NYAP employees in Georgia work closely with foster parents to ensure access to needed healthcare providers and offer support to coordinate medical appointments.

  • A strong commitment to preserving family connections is an essential component of each child or youth’s care. Regardless of the experiences children and youth have had within their primary families, maintaining connections with those a child or youth considers important in their life enhances reunification efforts and increases the chances of a successful transition into adulthood.

Join NYAP's community of Georgia foster parents and make a meaningful difference in the life of youth who needs stability, care, and hope.

Apply Today