Children waiting for their forever home
Foster care services
If you're interested in learning more about becoming a licensed foster parent, please fill out the inquiry form here.
For general questions, contact our office.
On any given day, nearly 10,000 Michigan children are in foster care. Each of these children comes with their own story, and each one needs a safe and supportive place to call home.
Foster care is a temporary living arrangement that provides a stable and caring environment to children who have experienced abuse, neglect, or difficult family circumstances.
As a foster parent, you can positively impact not only a child’s life, but also the lives of the biological family connected to them.
Hands Across The Water (HATW) partners with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to provide foster care services for children referred to the agency. This includes licensing, assessing, and supporting both relative and non-relative caregivers who open their homes to children in need. A child’s time in foster care can vary—sometimes just a few days, and sometimes a year or longer.
What Area Does HATW SErve?
Hands Across The Water’s office is located in Ann Arbor, and licenses foster homes in Wayne, Washtenaw, Lenawee, Livingston and Monroe counties. Prospective families from other adjacent counties may also be considered, depending on location and circumstances—if you feel like we might be a good fit for you, please call our office or email us and we can discuss this possibility.
Disclaimer: HATW shall make all written policies, procedures and program statements, required by the State of Michigan Bureau of Children & Adult Licensing –Licensing Rules for Child Placing Agencies, available for review by the public.
why work with hatw?
Before welcoming a child into their home, non‑relative foster families complete a licensing process that begins by building a relationship with a dedicated agency. At Hands Across The Water, we believe foster families are best supported when their voices, questions, and concerns are truly heard. We work collaboratively so your licensing worker and the caseworkers supporting placements can thoughtfully balance your family’s strengths and needs with what is best for each child. We are deeply committed to this work and look forward to partnering with you every step of the way.
The primary goal of foster care is family reunification. Foster care gives families the time, support, and services they need to address challenges and develop a safe, healthy family environment.