A Little Thing Like Saying Yes Is Huge.
Help NC’s kids by becoming a foster parent.
Foster Care Licensing Portal Rollout
The Foster Care Licensing Portal is being launched using a phased rollout approach to ensure a smooth and successful transition. During this time, prospective foster families will be able to submit inquiries through the portal to agencies that are currently live in PATH NC.
Only agencies that are live in PATH NC will appear as available options in the portal. If you do not see the agency you are looking for listed, please contact that agency directly for guidance on how to begin the application process.
All County Departments of Social Services and Private Child Placing Agencies are expected to be fully live in PATH NC by late November 2026. As more agencies become active in PATH NC, they will automatically appear as available options in the portal.
When it comes to finding a safe and loving home, too many children and youth in need of foster care are met with a discouraging “no.” You can be their “yes.” We’re actively recruiting foster parents to provide a temporary home for these kids, so they will have a bridge back to their own families. You don’t need to have all the answers to be a great foster parent. You just need to be able to provide stability and support—little things that make a huge difference.
There are several paths you can take if you’re interested in caring for children and youth in need:
Kinship Care. If you have a relative or someone else you know in need of a temporary home, you may be the right fit for a placement. Staying together with a sibling or other relative can help children or teenagers adapt successfully to their new home environment.
Foster Care. You may be able to get licensed to provide foster care to kids who come into the custody of the state of North Carolina because of abuse, neglect, or dependency in their family.
Adoption. Every child deserves a “forever family.” When a child can’t be reunited with their biological family, a foster parent may have the opportunity to become an adoptive parent.
Begin your journey to becoming a foster parent by simply selecting an agency or local social services agency and attending an orientation session.
As a potential foster parent, you probably have lots of questions. We’re here to help. Find out more about:
Foster Care Licensing Portal
We’re so glad you’re here to explore becoming a foster parent in North Carolina. Welcoming a child into your home is a powerful way to make a difference and the Foster Care Licensing Portal is designed to support you every step of the way. In this secure, easy-to-use space, you can begin the licensing process, connect with caring staff and access helpful resources all in one place.
What You'll Find Inside
- 24/7 Access - Check your licensing status, forms, and important documents anytime.
- Simple Communication - Message agency staff, receive updates, and respond to requests all in one place.
- Training & Licensing Support - Track training hours, see upcoming sessions, and get helpful reminders about renewals.
- Easy Document Management - Upload forms, keep records in order, and reduce paperwork with digital tools.
- Time-Saving Tools - Auto-filled forms and centralized records make the process smoother and less stressful.
The goal is simple: to give you more time and energy to focus on what matters most, providing a safe and nurturing home for children.
The Licensing Journey at a Glance
- Initial Inquiry and Orientation - Share your interest and attend orientation to learn about fostering, requirements, and available support.
- Training Completion - Take part in pre-service training through your supervising agency (such as NTDC) that prepares you for the important role of fostering.
- Mutual Home Assessment - A collaborative process with interviews, home visits, and paperwork to make sure fostering is the right fit.
- Background Checks and Requirements - Complete fingerprinting, background checks, and provide the needed forms.
- Licensing Decision - Once everything is complete, your home may be approved for licensure.
- Ongoing Support & Renewal - Licensed homes continue to receive training, guidance, and support, with periodic renewals to stay active.
Ready to Get Started:
Visit the Foster Parent Portal
When you first visit you'll be asked to:
- Register for an NCID (if you don't already have one)
- Log in with your NCID to access your application and track your licensing status
Need help with NCID? Visit the NCID Portal for registration and login support.