In celebration of National Foster Care Month, Cornerstones of Care is releasing Foster Careland: The Ultimate Adventure, a self-guided, interactive digital resource that takes prospective foster parents step-by-step through the process of becoming a licensed foster parent.

Designed to look like a vintage video game, Foster Careland is formatted into five modules, each packed with essential information for foster parents as they move towards licensure: Getting Started, Training, Paperwork, Home Assessment, and Licensing.

Each module also features a “Did You Know…” section to answer questions and address common misconceptions about parenting kids in foster care.

“We created a resource for foster parents that breaks down the steps towards licensure in a fun and engaging way,” said Merle Bowers, Resource Family Advocate. “We want to make the overall process more accessible and empower foster parents to be successful.”

Merle is a well-known figure among Kansas foster families and has been hosting bi-monthly foster care information sessions since January, aiming to recruit more foster parents. Across the country, the demand for foster care significantly outpaces the availability of qualified foster parents.

Merle explains that the paperwork and training requirements can sometimes deter potential foster parents, and that’s what Foster Careland hopes to tackle.

“I don’t sugarcoat it,” said Merle. “There is a bit of paperwork involved, but we want you on the team, and we’ll help you get it done.”

In Foster Careland’s five modules, participants are assisted by a caricature of Merle, aptly named Merlen, who narrates each stage of the journey alongside an advocate. At the end of each module, Merlen presents an award to acknowledge the foster parents’ progress on the path to licensure. This playful approach not only keeps the process engaging but also provides a tangible way to track their success.

“We want families to know that we’re there for them and that a pile of papers and other requirements shouldn’t be what stands in the way of creating a safe and loving home for a child,” said Merle.

Foster Careland is now available to the public on our website. For those wanting to start the process of becoming a foster parent, we recommend that you fill out an interest form to get started.