How the Foster Grandparent Program Works and Who Can Join

What the Foster Grandparent Program Is

The Foster Grandparent Program is a federal service program run by AmeriCorps Seniors that matches adults age 55 and older with children who need mentoring and support. You work with children in schools, child care centers, hospitals, and other facilities, typically spending 15 to 40 hours per week with the same children over time. The program provides a small monthly stipend, meal reimbursement, accident and liability insurance while you are serving, and an annual physical exam.

This is not a job in the traditional sense — you are a volunteer with a service commitment — but you do receive compensation for your time. The program exists in all 50 states, and local programs are run by nonprofit organizations that partner with AmeriCorps Seniors. The children you work with are often in foster care, have developmental delays, are experiencing neglect, or are dealing with trauma. Your role is to provide consistent, caring attention and help them build confidence and skills.

Key Takeaways

• You must be at least 55 years old and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to join the Foster Grandparent Program.
• The program pays a monthly stipend (the amount varies by location and funding), covers meals while you serve, and provides insurance and an annual physical.
• You commit to serving 15 to 40 hours per week, usually with the same group of children in one location, for a full program year.
• Local nonprofit organizations run individual programs in your area, so you contact them directly rather than a single national office.
• The children you mentor are typically in foster care, have special needs, or have experienced trauma, and benefit from one-on-one attention and relationship-building.

Age and Citizenship Requirements

You must be at least 55 years old to serve in the Foster Grandparent Program. There is no upper age limit — people in their 80s and 90s participate. You must be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident (green card holder). If you are not yet a permanent resident, you will not be able to join.

The program does not have an income limit, though some local programs may prioritize people with lower incomes when slots are limited. You do not need prior experience working with children, a teaching degree, or any specific certification. The program provides training on how to work with the children you will serve and their particular needs.

How Much You Earn and What Is Covered

The Foster Grandparent Program pays a monthly stipend to volunteers. The exact amount varies by location and changes year to year based on federal funding. You can contact your local program to learn the current stipend in your area. In addition to the stipend, the program covers meals while you are serving (either a meal provided at the site or a meal reimbursement), transportation to and from your service location, and an annual physical exam at no cost to you.

You also receive accident and liability insurance while performing your volunteer duties. This insurance covers you if you are injured while serving or if someone claims you caused harm — the program's insurance protects you, not your own homeowner's or health policy. The stipend is considered income for tax purposes, so you will receive a 1099 form at the end of the year if your earnings meet the reporting threshold.

Time Commitment and Service Schedule

Foster Grandparent volunteers typically serve 15 to 40 hours per week. Most programs ask you to commit to a consistent schedule — for example, three afternoons a week at the same school or child care center — so the children you work with see you regularly and can build a relationship with you. This consistency is one of the most valuable parts of the program for the children.

You commit to serving for a full program year, which usually runs from September through August, though some programs may have different cycles. If you need to step back or leave the program, you should give your local program notice so they can plan for the children's continuity of care. Many volunteers continue year after year, but there is no requirement to do so.

Finding and Joining a Local Program

The Foster Grandparent Program operates through local nonprofit organizations, not through a single national process. To find the program in your area, start by searching "Foster Grandparent Program" plus your city or county name, or visit the AmeriCorps Seniors website, which lists programs by state. You can also call your local Area Agency on Aging — they often know which Foster Grandparent programs are active nearby and can give you contact information.

Once you find a local program, contact them directly by phone or email. They will tell you about current openings, the service locations available (schools, hospitals, child care centers), the hours, and the monthly stipend. Some programs have waiting lists if they are full, so it is worth checking back if you are not accepted when ready. The local program will also conduct a background check, which is standard for anyone working with children.

What Happens During Training and Placement

After you are accepted into a local program, you will attend orientation and training. This training covers how to work with children who have experienced trauma, how to set appropriate boundaries, how to communicate with the children's parents or guardians, and what to do if you have concerns about a child's safety. The training is usually a few hours to a full day, depending on the program.

Once training is complete, the program will place you with a specific group of children or a specific service location. You will meet the children, their teachers or caregivers, and the staff who oversee the program at that site. The program provides ongoing support — if you have questions or concerns, you can contact your program coordinator. Many programs also hold regular volunteer meetings where you can connect with other Foster Grandparents and share experiences.

The Role You Play in a Child's Life

Your day-to-day work depends on where you are placed. In a school setting, you might read with a child who is struggling with reading, help them with homework, or straightforward spend time talking and building their confidence. In a hospital, you might sit with a child who is recovering from surgery or a serious illness, provide comfort, and help them feel less alone. In a child care center, you might help with activities, play games, or provide one-on-one attention to a child who needs extra support.

The children you work with often have few consistent adults in their lives. Your presence and attention — showing up regularly, remembering details about their lives, celebrating their progress — can be transformative. You are not a therapist or a teacher, but a caring presence who helps a child feel valued. Many Foster Grandparents describe the relationship as deeply rewarding, and many children maintain connections with their Foster Grandparents long after the formal program ends.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to have raised my own grandchildren to join?

No. The program is open to anyone 55 or older who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. You do not need prior experience with children. The program provides training on how to work with the specific children you will serve and their needs.

What if I cannot commit to the full program year?

Most programs ask for a full-year commitment so the children have continuity. However, if your circumstances change, contact your local program coordinator. They may be able to work with you on a shorter commitment or help you transition out in a way that does not disrupt the children's care.

Will I be reimbursed for gas or transportation costs?

Yes. The program covers transportation to and from your service location. Ask your local program how they handle reimbursement — some provide mileage reimbursement, some cover public transportation, and some arrange transportation directly.

What happens if a child I work with is in danger or being abused?

You are required to report suspected abuse or neglect to your program coordinator or directly to child protective services in your state. Your program will provide guidance on how to do this. Reporting is a legal obligation, and the program supports you in fulfilling it.

Can I choose which children or location I work with?

The local program will work with you to find a good match based on your interests and the children's needs, but you do not have complete choice. If a placement is not working after a trial period, talk to your coordinator about alternatives.