Being a foster parent is a life-changing journey, filled with both incredible joys and moments of triumph over challenges. But for single adults, the idea of fostering may seem especially daunting. Many people assume that caring for a child alone is simply too much to take on. But the truth is, single foster parents are stepping up every day, proving that love, stability and dedication matter far more than the number of parents in a home.

If you’ve ever thought about fostering but wondered, “Can I do this on my own?” you’re not alone. And the answer is a resounding yes! Thousands of children and teens in foster care are waiting for someone just like you, with an open heart and a willingness to partner with the youth’s family toward reunification.

In this blog, you’ll hear from real single foster parents who have overcame the same fear and doubts that you may have and who have discovered the incredible impact one person can have on a child or teen’s life.

Their stories will show you that you don’t have to be perfect, married or have all the answers to make a difference. You just have to be willing to say yes.

Why Single Adults are Needed as Foster Parents

As of February 28, 2025, there were nearly 6,000 children and teens in foster care, with more than 30% of those between ages 13 and 17. With only around 3,000 licensed foster homes in West Virginia — many of which only house one child in foster care at a time or have restricted preferences on what ages they can take — recruiting foster parents is an ongoing challenge.

KVC West Virginia’s Director of Permanency, Kristi Ferrell, says this disparity between the number of available homes and the number of youth in foster care is practically a pandemic. With such a high need in West Virginia, Ferrell is passionate about making sure single adults are aware that they are just as capable of helping these children as married couples.

Kristi Ferrell, Director of Permanency

“Single adults can meet this need by providing a safe, secure, healthy, loving home, regardless of one parent or two,” said Ferrell.

Tonya’s Story: How One Person Can Make an Impact on Children and Teens in Foster Care

Motivated by her background and faith, Tonya decided to pursue foster care as a single parent. Tonya has been a single foster parent since 2024, caring for youth ranging from 7 to 17 years old, all with varying needs and incredible strengths.

She began by providing respite care for a friend who was a single foster parent before she moved to West Virginia. “That also opened my eyes to how she found a village to help her,” she explains.

When Tonya first started providing long-term care, she welcomed a 17-year-old who was pregnant, struggling with substance misuse and other mental health challenges, and awaiting residential treatment. Since then, she has cared for six more children and teens in foster care, including three youth currently.

“I’m an occupational therapist by trade, so I really care about their independence and self-care,” said Tonya. “Seeing them gain independence and trying to get them where they need to be for their age has been rewarding.”

Tonya’s knowledge as an occupational therapist, combined with her heart for helping children and teens in need, and the academic support provided by KVC West Virginia, has been instrumental in helping those in her care preserve through school attendance challenges to the honor roll.

Myths About Fostering as a Single Parent

There are many misconceptions surrounding foster care, and fostering as a single parent is certainly no exception! Here are three common myths about fostering as a single parent and the reality that dispels them:

Myth: You Have to Be Married or Have a Partner to Foster

Reality: It’s so important for single adults in West Virginia to know—you don’t have to be married or have a partner to become a foster parent! Single adults go through the same process and meet the same requirements as anyone else. What really matters is having the heart and commitment to provide a safe, loving home.

Foster parenting isn’t something you do alone. It’s about teamwork—working alongside the child or teen’s biological family or caregivers of origin whenever possible, as well as child welfare professionals. This collaboration is key in supporting youth and, when safe and appropriate, help them reunite with their family. Building these connections, keeping communication open and working together can make all the difference in a child and teen’s life.

Myth: Single Parents Can’t Provide the Same Support as Couples

Reality: For Michaela, becoming a mom had always been a dream, with or without a spouse. “I’ve wanted to be a mom ever since I could remember. I knew there was a huge need for foster parents,” she shared. Her faith was a key driving force behind her decision to provide foster care too.

As a single foster parent, Michaela has found that love, stability and commitment are what truly matter—not relationship status. She’s proof that single adults can provide just as much care, encouragement and security as couples. Her journey has been filled with deep rewards—watching children and teens heal, grow and feel safe in her home.

Single parents bring something special to foster care. They show youth that family comes in all forms and that one dedicated, caring adult can make a world of difference. Many single foster parents create strong support systems, surrounding themselves with friends, extended family and community members who step in to help. They work closely with case managers, teachers, therapists and the child or teen’s biological family when possible, making sure the child or teen feels supported from all sides.

Michaela is always encouraging other single adults to become foster parents, using her own story to show how one person can change a child or teen’s life.

“If you’re able to foster, have a stable home and have a heart that’s open to a child, foster parenting is definitely something you should consider,” Michaela urges.

Myth: Single Foster Parents Can’t Care for More Than One Youth

Reality: Every foster parent is unique, just like every youth in foster care. Some single foster parents feel most comfortable caring for one child at a time, while others welcome multiple—especially siblings who need to stay together. Ferrell shared that one foster mom with KVC West Virginia is caring for six young children right now!

Tonya, another single foster parent, has space for four. She usually cares for two children or teens at a time, but for a little while recently, she was caring for four!

Caring for multiple youth as a single foster parent takes planning, patience and a strong support system—but it’s absolutely possible. Many single foster parents develop daily routines that keep things running smoothly and lean on friends, family and community resources for support.

And with so many siblings in foster care, keeping brothers and sisters together whenever possible is so important. That’s why single foster parents who feel ready and able to care for multiple children or teens can make such a big difference.

Whether fostering one youth or several, what truly matters is creating a space where children and teens in your care feel safe and valued—because foster parenting isn’t about the number of parents in a home, but the care and attention you bring to it.

Michaela’s Story: What It’s Like Fostering as a Single Parent

Michaela’s decision to become a foster parent came from her heart for being a mom, something she knew she wanted even since kindergarten. “I wanted to be a mom really badly, and I knew there were children and teens who needed a mom for however long,” she explains. In 2021, she officially began fostering as a single parent.

One of the hardest parts of fostering, Michaela admits, was finding the balance between protecting her own heart and giving a child all the love and attention they deserved. “That child deserved somebody to get attached to her,” she shares. “She deserved all the love that I had to give as her mother. Even if that was only for a certain period of time.”

When that child safely reunified with her biological mother a year and a half later, saying goodbye was heartbreaking—but Michaela wouldn’t have changed a thing.

“Even after all of that, I would have gone through it a thousand times just to have gotten to know her and be a part of her life,” shared Michaela.

Now, Michaela is close to finalizing the adoption of a child she has been fostering for several years. And she’s not stopping there—she fully intends to continue opening her home to more youth in need. She hopes other single adults will consider doing the same.

“Fostering parenting is one of the most fulfilling things you can do,” said Michaela. “You’re being a haven for these kids while they’re waiting on what’s going to happen, no matter their permanency goal. You can be that safe place to help them thrive.”

Tips for Thriving as a Single Foster Parent

If you’re considering fostering as a single parent, here are some tips to help you prepare:

Set Up a Strong Support Network

Having a strong support system is so important, especially as a single foster parent. Ferrell shares that while KVC provides a lot of support, it’s also important for foster parents to lean on their own networks—whether that’s family, friends or their local community.

For Michaela, her big family has been an incredible source of support, always stepping in to help when needed. Tonya, on the other hand, doesn’t have family nearby, so she’s built her village through her church community.

No matter where it comes from, having people to lean on makes all the difference. These support networks can also be great places to find respite care providers. Respite care provides foster parents with a chance to rest and recharge when needed.

Get Organized and Think Ahead

We believe that anyone with a heart for making a difference and the ability to provide a safe, loving home should consider becoming a foster parent. But it’s also important to take the time to really think about what it means to be a foster parent. Life will change in big and small ways, and asking yourself the “what-ifs” can help you prepare. What will you do if school is canceled or a child or teen in your care gets sick? Am I open to working with biological families? What age range and needs am I prepared to support?

Ferrell emphasizes that organization is key to keeping up with everything that comes with foster parenting. Everything from doctor’s appointments, school schedules, homework, hygiene, extracurricular activities and so much more. The good news? Foster parents can learn these skills and improve them over time. But the biggest question to ask yourself is whether this is something you truly want to do.

“Their whole life is going to change,” said Ferrell. “They’re going to have another human being in their life, and it could be someone who they’re going to have to do everything for.”

If you’re thinking about fostering and have questions, check out our foster parenting FAQs or submit this form to reach out to our team. We’d love to help you learn more about the process and what to expect!

Prioritize Self-Care

Self-care is extremely important for foster parents—that’s part of what makes having a good support network so vital! You need to keep your cup filled so you have the capacity to care for the children and teens who need you and be the best parent you can be. Ferrell reminds foster parents that this is what respite care is for!

“When you have that little itch or need for a minute to yourself, take advantage of respite care whether it’s overnight, a weekend or just a day,” says Ferrell. “Take that time, because if you don’t, you’re going to get burned out.”

Lean Into KVC West Virginia and Other Resources

KVC West Virginia’s Foster Care and Adoption Team

Above all else, remember that even if you are a single foster parent, you’re not alone! In addition to whatever support network you personally have, KVC West Virginia will walk alongside you and support you every step of the way. If we don’t offer a specific service or resource, we can quickly point you in the direction of the right foster parent resources in West Virginia to get you the support you need.

Tonya appreciates the support of KVC’s case managers. She’s also grateful for KVC’s training classes that help her stay certified as a foster parent. While Tonya has been with KVC since her first day as a foster parent, Michaela just switched to KVC last year.

“I just felt peace when I switched to KVC,” said Michaela. “Everyone has been so helpful. They make sure anything I need, I get. I’m really thankful for KVC because they’ve made me feel comfortable.”

Children and Teens in Your Community Need YOU!

There’s a real and urgent need for foster parents in West Virginia—whether you’re single, married, or somewhere in between. You can do this, and you could be exactly who a child or teen needs right now. Youth in your community are waiting for caring adults who will step up and provide a safe, nurturing home as a foster parent.

You’ll help them heal, grow and thrive while working alongside their family and child welfare professionals to support their future—whether that means reuniting safely with their family or finding another permanent home. And you won’t be doing it alone. You’ll have support every step of the way.

If you’re interested in making a difference, contact KVC about becoming a foster parent!