The average age of a child in foster care is 6-12. However, we do receive children ranging from 0-17 years old. Their backgrounds vary based on cultural heritage, level of neglect or abuse, or past experiences.

Children in foster care experience trauma or neglect at a very young age and often do need nurturing care to help them overcome these past experiences. (Specific needs simply means foster children need care they have not received or have not received enough of).

Compass Connections strives to place sibling groups together.

Children in state custody may be eligible for adoption. There are a variety of conditions for the children to be available for adoption. Biological parents are given the opportunity to take classes and work on getting their home life stable to care for their children. Most of the time, reunification is the goal. However, if biological parents are not able to meet the needs of their children, the Court might determine that termination of parental rights is needed.

Compass Connections has Support Groups that connect every month in a variety of ways. We meet virtually most months, and in person each quarter. Twice a year we hold an in-person celebration for all Foster Families: Foster Parent Appreciation Month (July) and during the Christmas season.

If you’re interested in becoming a foster parent, Compass Connections offers information sessions, one-on-one guidance, and all required training to help you every step of the way. Our team can walk you through the licensing/credentialing process, answer your questions, and connect you to the resources you need to get started.

Yes, respite care is available to support foster families when a short-term break is needed. We encourage all foster parents to also identify a trusted back-up caregiver early in the process. That person can complete background checks and training alongside you, ensuring children continue to receive safe, uninterrupted care in the event of an emergency.

The total number of foster, adoptive, and biological children per household may never be more than six (6) at any given time. The optimal number of children in the a home depends on foster care experience, training, and various other factors considered for each individual family.

You do not need to maintain contact with the child’s biological family if you don’t feel comfortable doing so. The Case Managers establish the communication. (Only if it is in the best interest of the child and to help transition the child back to biological family).

Yes. A monthly stipend to assist with basic needs, such as food and clothing, is provided. Also, each child is fully covered by health and dental insurance.

You may provide us with your preference of age, ethnicity, and gender for each child placed in your home. Depending on needs at the time, children outside of those preferences may also be discussed with you.

As reunification and permanency is the goal for any child, the length of time in foster care varies. The time period can range from 14 days to 1 year or more. For children who are eligible for adoption, the ability to adopt a foster child into your forever home child may be possible.

Yes, you may and it is encouraged as part of normalcy. If you are taking children out of Bexar County or the State of Texas, you need to request permission.

The length of time depends on your availability for background checks, home study completion, and training. We aim to have the process completed in approximately 3 months depending on foster parents’ schedule.