How to set up foster agency in US?

Question

I am a qualified social worker presently working in UK. I intend to shift to US and work independently.

Answer 1

Most foster care in the United States is handled by the individual counties within the states; that is, it's a part of the local government.  Most private foster care agencies deal with:

1.  Kinship care- helping move children from their parents and place them in care with other family members

2.  Pre-adoption care- foster care for infants/sometimes older children whose birth and adoptive parents are working with the agency

3.  Therapeutic care- foster care for children who have needs that exceed the abilities of most of the foster parents employed by the state

4.  Respite care-  temporary foster care for children placed with regular foster families, when those families need a break

If you want to start a non-profit, I'd advise you to look up the laws for incorporating a non-profit in the state in which you intend to practice.  You could also contact the state Department of Human Services to see how foster care is handled within that particular state.

I've included a link for starting a non-profit agency in Minnesota, which is where I live.  It is similar from state to state, although there may be some key differences.