Ready to Foster? Here’s What to Know
Curious about what it’s like to be a therapeutic foster parent with Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch (YBGR)? You’re in the right place. Below, you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions we hear from prospective foster and respite parents.
What is therapeutic foster care?
Therapeutic foster care is more than a placement—it’s a powerful step in a child’s path to healing. As a foster parent, you’ll be a key member of their care team, offering a stable home that helps build resilience and hope for the future.
With wraparound support for both you and the child placed in your care, you’ll never be in it alone. Together, we’ll help kids develop the skills they need to grow, thrive, and progress. Some will reunite with family; others will prepare for adoption. The length of their stay depends on their unique needs.
When you open your home, you’re not just fostering—you’re giving a child a foundation that prepares them for life.
Who can be a foster parent?
Foster parents come from all walks of life. If you have a heart for kids and a stable home, you may be just who a child needs. There’s a perfect match for every family willing to step forward.
To qualify, we ask that parents are at least 21 years old, have a bedroom available for a foster child, and pass standard background checks. For the safety of the children we serve, foster parents—and anyone living in the home—must not have a history of violent or sexual offenses.
Interested in supporting kids but not ready for full-time foster care? Respite care might be a great fit—and doesn’t require a dedicated bedroom.
What’s the difference between a state foster parent and a YBGR foster parent?
All children in foster care have experienced trauma—being removed from their home is traumatic in itself. What sets therapeutic foster care with Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch apart is the level of support and training you receive to help care for children impacted by trauma.
As a therapeutic foster parent, you’re never alone. You’ll receive ongoing training, 24/7 on-call guidance, and be part of a care team that surrounds you and your child with consistent support.
Before placing a child in your home, we ensure you clearly understand their needs—so you can feel confident, prepared, and supported from the start.
What does the foster care licensing process look like?
Licensing usually takes 2–4 months. You’ll complete a SAFE Home Study, which helps us get to know you and make the best match for your home.
Once licensed, you’re in control of the timing. You can take a placement right away or wait until you’re ready—and you’ll always have a say in the children placed with you.
We’re here to guide and support you every step of the way.
What is the matching process?
As a therapeutic or respite foster parent, you’ll always have a full say in the child we place in your home—and you’ll receive all available information to help you make that decision confidently.
We’re intentional about matching. For example, if you have children at home, we won’t present you with a child whose behaviors could put them at risk. The more open you are with age and gender preferences, the sooner a match is likely—some families wait no time at all, while others may wait longer, depending on their preferences.
Our goal is simple: the right match, at the right time—for you and the child.
Ready to learn more or take the next step?
Contact us online to connect with a YBGR Family Resource Specialist.