The Friends Circle Membership Program
Still Part of the Family, Even After a Case Closes.
For families who have adopted or whose cases have ended, The Friends Circle keeps you connected to the community, resources, and support you need, for just $50 a year.
Membership Eligibility
The Friends Circle Membership Program is designed for families who have moved beyond an open foster care case but still need — and deserve — ongoing support.
You're eligible if you:
Have adopted a child previously in foster care
Are a permanent guardian whose case has closed
Have a foster child whose case has closed but remains in your home
Are you a licensed foster home with an open case?
Your membership fee is covered by ChildNet for family events and open foster cases. If you have adopted children or closed-case children in your home and want them to receive individual benefits — holiday gifts, back-to-school supplies, and more — the annual membership fee applies.
What’s Included:
Over $340 in Value.
Annual Membership Fee: Starting at $50.
Membership opens annually and gives your family access to a full year of support, resources, and events.
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Two visits per month, up to 10 items per foster and/or adopted child. Keep the kids dressed with dignity year-round.
Value: $30+ -
Backpacks, school supplies, and uniforms for foster and adopted children in closed cases.
Value: $50
Note: For foster and/or adopted children in closed cases only - does not include biological children. -
Every child deserves to trick-or-treat. Members receive Halloween costumes for foster and adopted children in closed cases.
Value: $20
Note: For foster and/or adopted children in closed cases only - does not include biological children.
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Three gifts per child for the winter holiday season — bringing joy, normalcy, and a little magic to the holidays.
Value: $40–$50 per childNote: For foster and/or adopted children in closed cases only - does not include biological children.
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A full Thanksgiving meal basket for the whole family - because everyone deserves a holiday table.
Value: $40 -
Available at placement as needed. Includes, age-appropriate clothing, hygiene items, and essentials for children entering a new home.
Value: $75–$100 -
Car seats, strollers, cribs, pack-n-plays, and more — subject to availability.
Value: $25+ -
Tickets to family-focused community events throughout the year, including the South Florida Fair, Nutcracker Ballet, and more.
Value: $50+ -
Stay connected with our community newsletter, foster and adoptive parent trainings, and ongoing advocacy support for children and families.
Annual Membership Fees
To ensure our programs remain accessible while continuing to grow the support we provide, The Friends Circle uses a tiered annual membership structure based on how long your case has been closed.
Membership opens annually, and is completed in two steps:
Step 1: Complete your membership registration
Step 2: Submit your $50 annual membership payment
Common Questions About Fostering
We know you have questions. Here are honest answers to the ones we hear most often.
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No. Single individuals can absolutely become foster parents. However, a single foster parent is required by law to identify a backup sitter who is available to support them when needed. That person must be background screened and approved by the Department of Children and Families.
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The number and ages of children placed in your home is based on your home's capacity, your skills and stamina as a caregiver, and your physical accommodations. Generally, there should be no more than five total children in the home — including your own biological children — and no more than two infants under the age of two.
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Each child must have their own bed and adequate storage for their belongings. Children in care cannot share a bedroom with any adult, except for infants 12 months or younger. Any child over the age of three must not share a bedroom with a child of the opposite sex.
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There are no strict age restrictions, but your age will be considered in relation to your health, physical energy, flexibility, and ability to care for a specific child over the duration of a placement.
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All members of your household will be asked to share health history, including physical and mental health. A medical release from your physician confirming you are able to care for a child in your home will be required.
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Foster parents must have sufficient income to support their own family's stability — without relying on the foster care stipend. Your income should be sufficient to cover 4–6 weeks of a child's expenses until reimbursement begins.
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Foster parents must be willing to support a child's participation in the faith of their choice, or the faith requested by the birth family. Foster parents whose religious beliefs preclude the use of licensed medical physicians for foster children may not be licensed.
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You must have a detailed, approved plan for meeting the child's transportation needs — including medical and dental appointments, school pickup, extracurricular activities, therapy, and family visitation. All vehicles must be in safe, legal condition. Proof of liability insurance and a valid driver's license is required. Every child under age 4 must be transported in an appropriate car seat.
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If married, foster parents should have a stabilized legal marriage of at least one year before seeking licensure. If you have recently been divorced, widowed, or experienced the loss of a child, you will be asked to wait one year before applying.
Help Us Keep The Friends Circle Going.
The Friends Circle exists because donors believe that support shouldn't end when a case closes. Your gift helps us keep our doors open — and our shelves stocked — for every family who needs us.