Foster Care and Adoption

The Foster Care / Adoption Unit is responsible just to the children in agency custody and their families. Comprehensive services to meet the various and numerous needs of these children are provided starting at the moment it is known that the children will be removed from their families (either by the decision that a child is not safe due to abuse/neglect, a parent is unable to care for the child, or the agency is awarded custody by the court due to a juvenile justice matter). Foster care is a temporary living arrangement for children who have been abused or neglected and need a safe place to live. With the approval of a judge, the local Department of Social Services can take custody of the at-risk child(ren) and place the child(ren) in a foster home.

Services are provided to assist families in overcoming crisis and situations that led to removal and allows them to reunite

We work to locate the best possible alternative arrangement, relative placement, foster home, therapeutic foster home, group care etc.

Adoption services can begin and continue until the adoption is finalized.

The Division of Social Services NC Kids Adoption and Foster Care Network website is www.adoptnckids.org This site is a resource for families interested in Foster care and Adoption.

The goal of this unit is permanency for children.

 Total number of children in care: 90

  Agers of children in care:

       Ages 0-5: 36

       Ages 6-12: 20

       Ages 13-17: 25

       Ages 18 and over: 8

 Number of Licensed Foster Homes: 27

 Number of children in Lincoln County Custody placed outside of the county due to lack of  available families: 27

 Children legally free for adoption: 25

 Children waiting on adoptive homes: 11

Fostering Perspectives

Post-Adoption Services 

FosterParents.com

Fostering NC

Triple P Parenting

When children enter foster care, they often come with little to no belongings. In an effort to meet the needs of these children we try to maintain a fully stocked supply closet and clothing shed with the assistance of our community. Donations are made by individuals, families, church groups, co-workers as well as other community organizations. If you or a group with whom you are involved would like to donate goods or make a monetary donation, please contact TBD.

In an effort to show appreciation for our Foster and Adoptive families and to provide normalcy activities for our children in foster care, we host events throughout the year. We regularly need volunteers to assist us in hosting these events. Volunteers are also needed to provide child care for future and current Foster Parents when they participate in training. If you or an organization with whom you are involved would like to sign up to volunteer, please contact Amy Ramsey at amy.ramsey@lincolncountync.gov or 704-732-2159.

“One thing I know that has helped me is that my foster parent always made me feel a part of the family, she said that I may be in foster care, but in her home I am family. Foster parents of teenagers should be patient and listen. Do not jump to conclusions.”- MM (Former Foster Youth)

“They make me a better person and make me feel like I can do anything.”- JM (Former Foster Youth)

“Is it easy, no! Is it the right thing to do, yes! You can make a difference! Even if some things are only for a season.” – Carla (Current Foster Parent- fostered 3 children)

“Don’t let fear stop you from saying yes!” – Carie (Current Foster Parent- fostered 6 children, adopted 1 child)

“You may wonder if foster care will affect your biological children. Yes it will! They will love harder than you ever knew possible.” – Holly (Current Foster Parent- fostered 2 children)

“In becoming a foster family we prayed we’d be a blessing to each of the children who came into our home whether they were passing through or staying longer. What we didn’t realize is how much these children would bless us. With each child, our family has gained a fresh perspective, increased understanding and compassion, and hearts that keep stretching. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it.” – Jenny (Current Foster Parent- fostered 6 children)

“A lot of good times, also struggles, but in the end it is worth it!” – Eric (Current Foster Parent- fostered 3 children)

“Being a foster parent is an opportunity to love and care for children along their life journey! It sure is a hard task but it’s also rewarding for all involved!” – Beth (Current Foster Parent, fostered 5 children, adopted 2 children)