Placing Children in Big Oak Ranch Communities

With 6,000 children in foster care in Alabama and only about 2,300 homes, Big Oak Ranch is filling a critical need. We are providing children with safe, stable homes and loving families where they can belong and thrive. Our goal is to start with five foster homes in each neighborhood where we are located to create a support network for the foster parents and children. Each foster family will have structure, accountability, and meet the daily needs of the children, ensuring they are cared for holistically.

Big Oak Ranch provides a loving, stable home and family that children can depend on. At a time when these children are facing so much uncertainty, we provide structure and consistent love and care for them every day they are with us. A member of the Big Oak Ranch team attends the child’s court hearings, as well as Individualized Service Plan (ISP) meetings, to advocate for the best interests of the child.

Big Oak Ranch serves as a liaison between foster parents and the Alabama Department of Human Resources to make the process as seamless as possible for everyone involved. We handle the following responsibilities so case workers are supported, and parents can focus on caring for each child wholeheartedly. 

• Attending court hearings and Individualized Service Plan (ISP) meetings, ensuring compliance 
• Coordinating visitation schedules with biological parents and siblings
• Scheduling and attending monthly DHR visits 
• Managing communication with caseworkers and providing required documentation to advocate for the best interest of the child

Big Oak Ranch provides families with essential needs and intentional support, including the following:

• A home within a Big Oak Ranch community 
• A van for family transportation 
• On-site directors who live within the community, offering leadership, encouragement, and emergency support 
• Ongoing training, mentorship, and small group connection

Licensing is completed internally at Big Oak Ranch, with personalized guidance, trusted resources and support throughout the entire process, so foster parents are fully prepared for this important journey.

The 10-week MAPP Foundations program equips foster parents to understand the needs of children in foster care and to build strong relationships with the child welfare system. We provide clear, comprehensive documentation that meets state and federal requirements, including all eligibility, placement, and reporting details. Additionally, we offer ongoing training to strengthen and support our families.

With decades of experience, Big Oak Ranch understands the challenges families face. We have created systems to simplify the process for foster parents and caseworkers.