The Hurst Foundation works in collaboration with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) to support children in foster care and the families who care for them. We support individuals and families as they move through the foster care approval process by offering education, preparation, and guidance tailored to their journey. After licensure, families continue to receive individualized support, resources, and advocacy from our team to help ensure children’s needs are met. We also assist with ongoing requirements and license renewals to support families throughout their foster care experience.

The Hurst Foundation is committed to walking alongside foster families with compassion, guidance, and consistent support. We provide thorough training, ongoing case management, access to mental health and counseling services, and a family-centered approach rooted in care and respect. Our goal is to ensure foster families feel prepared, supported, and never alone as they help children heal and thrive.

The Hurst Foundation serves children from birth through age 18. While children of all ages need foster care, older youth and sibling groups often have the greatest need for stable, supportive homes.

Children served by The Hurst Foundation are referred through the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) and local child welfare partners. Children in our care are in the custody of the state of Texas and may come from communities across the region. Most children work toward reunification with their parents or relatives, while some may become eligible for adoption when reunification is not possible.

There is no cost to become a foster parent through The Hurst Foundation. Required training, home studies, and licensing support are provided at no charge. Foster parents receive a monthly reimbursement to help cover the cost of caring for a child, including food, clothing, and daily needs.

The licensing process in Texas usually takes about 3 to 6 months, though it can stretch longer depending on your schedule, training availability, and how quickly background checks and home studies are completed. During that time, you’ll be fingerprinted, have criminal and CPS background checks run, complete mandatory training, undergo a home study with multiple visits, and pass safety/fire inspections. Once your license is issued, the time until placement varies. Some families are matched with a child within days or weeks, while others wait months, depending on the ages and characteristics of children you’re willing to care for and current availability in your area.

The length of a child’s stay in foster care varies based on their individual circumstances and case plan. Some children may stay for a short period of time, while others may remain in care longer as reunification, kinship placement, or permanency options are explored. The primary goal is always to ensure each child’s safety, stability, and long-term well-being.

Adoption through foster care begins with becoming a licensed foster parent and working closely with Hurst Family Foundation and the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). If a child in your care becomes legally eligible for adoption, our team will guide you through the adoption process by providing information, support, and coordination with DFPS to help ensure a smooth transition to permanency. Each situation is unique, and our priority is always the best interest of the child.