Foster Parents

Help change a child’s life.

Big Oak Ranch serves children in need of a chance by providing solid, loving Christian homes and an opportunity to discover God’s purpose for their lives. Help provide love, stability, and a sense of belonging to children in foster care in Alabama. Become part of a Big Oak Ranch Community.

Become a Foster Parent
Big Oak Ranch Communities

A Big Oak Ranch Community consists of at least five homes within an established or growing neighborhood. Each home is led by a married Christian couple and consists of up to four children from foster care.

Our Communities create a strong support system of like-minded families where they can grow and thrive. By living in community, families are able to support one another while providing stable, loving homes for children in foster care.

Become a Foster Parent
Support
What we provide our families

As parents in a Big Oak Ranch Community, you will receive support in many ways. Each family is provided:

  • Housing and transportation
  • Training, mentorship, and small group connection 
  • Education and counseling
  • Support from directors who live within the community and offer emergency support, leadership and encouragement. 

You will receive consistent, dependable support throughout the entire journey of providing love and stability to children in foster care who need a chance.

Become a Foster Parent
Training and Guidance for Parents
Become a Foster Parent

At Big Oak Ranch, we walk with couples through the licensing journey with personal guidance, trusted support, and a heart to help families feel prepared for what lies ahead.

Through our 10-week MAPP Foundations training, families learn how to better understand the needs of children in foster care and how to care for them with wisdom, compassion, and consistency. We also provide the documentation, training, and ongoing support families need along the way.

Become a Foster Parent

Our desire is to help families do more than complete a process. We want to help create homes where children can begin to heal, find Hope, and move toward the future God has for them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who do you serve?

We serve children who are often more difficult to place, but can thrive in a basic care family setting, including teenagers, sibling groups, and children with mild to moderate behavioral challenges. Our goal is to see long-term positive growth in their lives, and we will support you every step of the way.

Become a Foster Parent
How are parents supported?

Our team serves as a liaison between foster parents and the Alabama Department of Human Resources to make the process as seamless and supportive as possible for everyone involved. We handle the following responsibilities, so our 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 interests of the child 
Become a Foster Parent
What does Big Oak provide for families in a Big Oak Ranch Community?

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

  • A home within the Big Oak 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 
Become a Foster Parent
Is respite care available if we need help caring for the children for a short time?

Babysitters can care for children placed in the home for up to 72 hours without being licensed. We also have respite families who can step in when you need time to rest and recharge. Our team is here to support and encourage families throughout the entire journey.

Become a Foster Parent
Would you like to help change a child’s life?
We’re grateful you’re here and considering serving as foster parents with Big Oak Ranch!

Please fill out the form, and someone from our team will reach out soon with the next steps in becoming a foster parent and helping change a child’s life.

Our next training session starts on Thursday, June 4.