Why Becoming an Olive Crest Family Matters
At Olive Crest, we believe children thrive in families. When you become an Olive Crest family, you provide more than a bed – you give a child belonging, stability, and the hope of a brighter future.
Even one safe, loving home can break cycles of abuse and neglect.
A Real Story of Impact
We began our journey in 2019. When we stepped into fostering, life was already very full. We had two young kids of our own and a busy schedule. But we couldn’t shake the pull on our hearts for children who needed a safe place and a family to stand in the gap during a time of need. We just knew we had a willing heart and a loving home. And we weren’t afraid to get attached, because that’s exactly what these kids need most.
So, we took the first step, and then the next, trusting the process the whole way. It hasn’t always been easy and the path isn’t always straight, but every child who has walked through our door has left an imprint on our hearts.
After two beautiful reunifications, we now have adopted 2 sibling daughters that bring so much energy and joy into our home. Saying yes, even without the perfect timing and in the midst of questions, has been one of the most life-changing decisions we’ve ever made.
Open Your Home. Transform a Life.
Every child deserves safety, love, and stability. You can give that.
A strong family for every child…this is Olive Crest’s vision.
With over 400,000 children in the welfare system, the need for communities, churches and individuals to provide safe, loving homes is the solution. So many kids’ lives are hanging in the balance.
Together, we can make a difference.
The best way for children to heal from abusive home situations, is within the care of a strong and stable family. Whether it is short-term or long-term, providing safety, and consistency to help kids find their footing is the recipe for transforming lives.
Do you feel called to help?
More than
400,000 children
in the
U.S. child welfare
system need families
who will step in
with compassion.
The Olive Crest Difference
When you become an Olive Crest family, you’ll never be alone.
- Comprehensive training before a child enters your home
- 24/7 support from local Olive Crest staff
- Financial assistance to help with expenses
- Therapeutic care and counseling for children when needed
- Community of families to share the journey with you
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A Resource Family includes individuals, couples, or families approved to care for a child under the jurisdiction of the Juvenile Court.
Resource Parents (also known as foster parents) are trained and approved to foster and/or adopt. While some families choose to foster only, others may also be open to adoption. A home study is required for all Resource Families, regardless of adoption plans.
The Resource Family approval process typically takes around four to six months, depending on how quickly you complete the required trainings, background checks, and paperwork. In some cases, it can be completed in as little as six weeks. If you’ve lived out of state within the past five years, additional background checks may extend the timeline slightly. Our team is here to support you every step of the way to help move the process forward smoothly.
Yes, many Resource Parents work full time. However, some flexibility is needed to accommodate the child’s schedule, including court-ordered visits, medical appointments, and school needs. Support such as babysitting and after-school care may be needed and can sometimes be subsidized.
Yes, as a Resource Parent, you’ll play a key role in supporting safe and healthy connections between children and their birth families. You’ll be responsible for transporting and monitoring the children to their weekly, court-ordered visits with their birth parents.
While you may have some direct communication with the birth family, your personal information—such as your address—will remain private. Olive Crest will help guide and support you in maintaining appropriate boundaries while fostering respectful, child-focused relationships with the birth family. You are not expected to walk this road alone—we’re here to walk alongside you as you help bring stability and healing to a child’s life.
Absolutely! We encourage you to include your foster child in family life, including vacations. If you’re planning to travel out of state, please notify your Olive Crest case manager in advance so court approval can be arranged.
You do not need to own your home—renters are welcome!
Children over age 2 must have their own space and may share a bedroom with another child of the same sex (up to age 8). Children under age 2 may share a bedroom with a Resource Parent.
Yes!
You simply need to be at least 21 years old, in good physical, emotional, and financial health, able to provide a safe and stable home—and pass a background check. If you have the heart to care for a child, we’ll walk with you every step of the way.
Yes. To maintain your approval, 12 hours of annual training are required. Olive Crest offers a variety of convenient training options, including local classes, support groups, and family-friendly community events. We are committed to walking with you every step of the way.
When you foster through Olive Crest, you’re never walking alone. From your very first home visit, we take the time to understand your family’s unique strengths, needs, and heart for children. Our dedicated team offers personal, one-on-one support throughout the entire approval process—and continues to stand by your side once a child is placed in your home.
As a trauma-informed agency, we provide a full weekend of TBRI® training to help prepare you for the road ahead. Once a child is placed in your care, you’ll have 24/7 access to our support line for anything that comes up—throughout the entire placement.
You’ll also receive weekly visits from your Olive Crest case manager, plus connection to support groups with other Olive Crest resource families, family events, and a caring community that’s committed to restoring lives—together.
The primary goal of foster care is reunification with the child’s birth family. At Olive Crest, we believe in supporting and strengthening families whenever safely possible.
However, in some cases, it may not be safe or appropriate for a child to return home. When reunification is no longer an option, adoption may become part of the conversation. In those instances, Resource Families like yours may have the opportunity to provide a permanent, loving home.