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Every day, foster families welcome refugee and immigrant children into their homes—children who have endured more hardship than any child ever should. These families offer not just shelter, but compassion, stability, and a chance to heal. We walk alongside them, providing support and resources to ensure each child receives the safety, care, and understanding they deserve. With your help, these children can rediscover hope, rebuild trust, and begin shaping a brighter future.
Join Us In Making a Lasting Difference

Who is an unaccompanied minor? 

Each year, thousands of families arrive in the U.S. as refugees or immigrants. Some are children who arrive as unaccompanied minors, having been separated from their families as they fled violence or disaster.

In partnership with government agencies, we provide support in compliance with U.S. immigration laws. Once children are processed by the Office of Refugee Resettlement, they’re placed in temporary foster care with safe, supportive families while they continue their asylum process stateside.

As part of our mission to reflect the love of Jesus through action, Bethany welcomes these children with the care and dignity they deserve.

Reunification is always the goal

Our highest priority is to reunite unaccompanied children with their families whenever possible. When reunification isn’t possible, we ensure children have long-term foster care options that offer the consistency and care they need to grow and thrive.

There are two primary ways you can foster refugee and immigrant children in the U.S.

Long-term refugee foster care

Children who arrive in the U.S. without any family or family friends may be placed in long-term refugee and immigrant foster care when family reunification is not possible. The best option for these children is to be cared for by a foster family as they go through the asylum process and until they reach early adulthood.

Foster families provide a safe, loving home for these refugee youth, many of whom have been separated from their families for years.

Short-term immigrant foster care

Unaccompanied children crossing the border without a parent or guardian need what all children need-a safe and loving home. Short-term immigrant foster care offers temporary homes for these children until they can be safely reunited with family stateside.

Short-term foster parents typically care for children 60-90 days and help transport them to receive schooling, legal support, and routine medical care.

Hear from these licensed foster parents who opened their hearts and homes to provide care for immigrant youth, and learn which option is a good fit for you.

Long-term refugee and immigrant foster care

Silas and Hannah’s first parenting experience has been caring for a Guatemalan girl through short-term immigrant foster care. In this video, learn how the couple saw the migration crisis as an opportunity to make an impact in a child’s life, what it takes to be a foster parent to an immigrant child, and how their faith motivates them to love their neighbor.

Short-term immigrant foster care

Motivated by their own immigrant experiences, Sara and Mario live out their faith by welcoming refugee and immigrant children into their home. As short-term immigrant foster parents, they provide a safe, temporary home for children waiting to be reunified with their families in the U.S.

FAQs about refugee and immigrant foster care

  • Attend a free information meeting
  • Get certified
  • Receive training to support your foster youth, including trauma training
  • Placement occurs when you welcome a child into your home
  • Ongoing support is available to help you through it all

Adoption is not a pathway for children in our refugee and immigrant programs. Our focus is on reunifying them with their families whenever possible. If that isn’t possible, we provide long-term foster care to ensure stability and support as they go through the asylum process in the U.S.

Children seeking asylum in the U.S. without a parent or guardian may have been separated from their families by illness, death, or injury either before or during their journey to seek refuge.

No. You are not required to speak another language. Bethany provides translators and interpreters to ensure the kids in your care receive the support they need.

At Bethany, we help all kids who need help. Our mission is to help vulnerable children. We find temporary foster homes for thousands of American kids every year in the U.S. Learn more about our domestic foster care program

Bethany works with individuals and families seeking refuge in accordance with U.S. immigration laws. We focus on supporting refugees, asylum-seekers, and immigrants needing assistance. We partner with other government agencies to ensure those who qualify for resettlement receive the critical services they need, including foster care, family reunification, and other resources.

I want to learn more

Caring for refugee youth as a foster parent takes commitment, but it’ll be worth it. And we’ll walk alongside you every step of the way, providing training and support.

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901 Eastern Ave NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
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