Where foster care agencies are located and how to reach them
Foster care agencies operate from local offices in your county or region, not from a single state or federal location. Each office handles cases for children in its area and serves as the place where you meet caseworkers, attend required meetings, and get information about the foster care system. The office that serves you depends on where the child lives or where the case is being handled.
To find your local office, start with your state's child protective services website — most states list all regional and county offices with phone numbers and addresses. You can also call your county's main child services line and ask for the foster care unit. If you are already involved in a case, your caseworker's contact information will be on any paperwork you have received.
Key Takeaways
- Foster care offices are run by county or regional child protective services agencies, and the one that serves you is determined by where the child lives.
- You can find your local office through your state's child protective services website, which lists addresses, phone numbers, and office hours for each location.
- Office staff include caseworkers, supervisors, and administrative staff who handle case management, scheduling visits, and answering questions about foster care requirements.
- Most offices require you to call ahead or schedule an appointment rather than drop in, and many have limited hours or specific days for certain services.
- If you cannot reach your local office or need help finding it, your state's central child protective services line can direct you to the right location and provide contact details.
What happens inside a foster care agency office
A foster care office is where caseworkers meet with foster parents, biological parents, children, and other people involved in a case. Caseworkers use the office to conduct initial assessments, schedule and document visits between children and their families, review case plans, and prepare for court hearings. The office also holds training sessions, processes paperwork, and stores case files.
When you visit an office, you may meet with your assigned caseworker in a private room or cubicle. Some offices have separate areas for supervised visits between children and parents. Administrative staff at the front desk can answer questions about hours, required documents, and how to reach your caseworker. Many offices also have waiting areas with information materials about foster care, adoption, and support services.
How to find your state's foster care office locations
Your state's child protective services agency maintains a directory of all foster care offices. To locate it, search "[your state] child protective services offices" or "[your state] foster care offices" online. Most state websites include an office locator tool where you enter your county or zip code and get the address, phone number, and hours for the nearest office.
If you cannot find the office online, call your state's main child protective services line — the number is usually listed on the state agency's homepage. The person who answers can tell you which office handles your area and provide direct contact information. Some states also operate a central intake line that can transfer you to your local office or take a message for your caseworker.
If you are already involved in a case, your caseworker's business card or any court documents you have received will show the office address and phone number. You can also ask your caseworker for the office's mailing address if you need to send documents by mail.
What to bring when you visit a foster care office
Before visiting, call your local office to ask what documents you should bring. Most offices request a photo ID and any paperwork related to your case — this might include court orders, case plans, previous correspondence from the agency, or documents about the child in care. If you are a foster parent attending a meeting, bring any records about the child's health, school, or behavior that might be relevant to the discussion.
If you are a biological parent visiting to arrange a visit with your child, bring your ID and ask your caseworker in advance what time works and whether the visit will be supervised. If you are attending a court-ordered meeting or training, bring the notice or letter that tells you when and where to be there. Writing down your questions before you go helps you remember what you want to ask during your visit.
Office hours and how to schedule appointments
Foster care offices typically operate during standard business hours — usually 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays — but hours vary by location and some offices close for lunch. Many offices do not accept walk-ins and require you to call ahead or schedule an appointment, especially if you need to meet with a specific caseworker. Some offices reserve certain days or times for particular services, such as supervised visits or training sessions.
To schedule an appointment, call the office's main number and tell the receptionist what you need — for example, "I need to meet with my caseworker about my case plan" or "I want to arrange a supervised visit." The receptionist will tell you available times and may ask you to provide your name, case number, and the caseworker's name. If your caseworker is unavailable, you may be offered an appointment with a different worker or supervisor.
If you have an emergency outside office hours — such as a child in when ready danger or a crisis involving a child in care — call your state's emergency child protective services line instead of the local office. This number is usually available 24 hours a day and is listed on the state agency's website.
What to do if you cannot reach your local office
If you call your local office and cannot reach anyone, try calling during different times of day or on different days — some offices have high call volume and lines may be busy. Leave a voicemail with your name, case number, phone number, and a brief description of why you are calling. Most caseworkers return calls within one or two business days.
If you do not hear back within three business days, call your state's central child protective services line and explain that you have been trying to reach your local office. The central line can check on your case, take a message, or transfer you to a supervisor at the local office. You can also send an email to your caseworker if an email address was provided to you, or mail a letter to the office's address if you need a written record of your contact.
If you are a foster parent or service provider and need urgent help, ask to speak with the office supervisor. If you are a biological parent and cannot reach your caseworker, you can also contact your attorney or court-appointed advocate, who may be able to reach the caseworker on your behalf.
Different types of offices and specialized services
Some states operate multiple types of offices within the foster care system. A regional office handles cases across several counties and may have supervisors and specialized staff. A local county office serves a single county and is where most caseworkers are based. Some states also have separate intake offices where initial reports of child abuse or neglect are received and assessed before being assigned to a caseworker.
Larger offices may have staff dedicated to specific services: a licensing unit that certifies foster parents, an adoption unit that handles permanency cases, a visitation unit that supervises parent-child visits, and a training unit that runs required classes. Smaller offices may combine these functions. If you need a specific service, ask the receptionist which unit handles it and whether you need an appointment or can drop in during certain hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I visit a foster care office without an appointment?
Most offices require an appointment, but policies vary. Call ahead to ask whether you can drop in or if you must schedule a time. If you have an emergency, explain that to the receptionist — they may fit you in or direct you to emergency services.
What if my caseworker is not available when I visit?
You can meet with another caseworker or supervisor who can answer your questions or take a message. If you need to discuss something specific to your case, ask when your assigned caseworker will be available and schedule a follow-up appointment.
Are foster care office visits confidential?
Yes. Meetings with your caseworker are private, and case information is kept confidential under state and federal law. However, information may be shared with others involved in the case, such as the child's attorney, the court, or other service providers, as required by law.
Can I bring someone with me to a foster care office visit?
Yes. You can bring a support person, family member, or attorney. Tell your caseworker in advance if you plan to bring someone so they can arrange a room large enough for everyone. If you are a biological parent, ask whether a support person can attend a supervised visit with your child.
What if I need an interpreter at my office visit?
Call your local office before your appointment and tell them what language you speak. Most offices can arrange an interpreter at no cost to you, though you may need to give them a few days' notice. Never bring a family member as an interpreter for a confidential meeting with your caseworker.