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Adoption & Foster Care
Under Our Wings | Opening Hearts and Homes to Children in Need
Want to make a difference for children in Pitt County? Help nurture a child's safety, well-being, and long-term stability. Under Our Wings is a community-focused program that welcomes, supports, and prepares foster and adoptive parents to meet the needs of children served by Social Services. The program recognizes that stable, caring placements strengthen both children and the broader community. Consistent support helps young people cope, build confidence, and grow into healthy, self-sufficient adults, while easing demand on child welfare, schools, mental health services, and juvenile justice systems.
Foster and adoptive parents make a meaningful difference in helping children grow and heal. Each path offers stability during times of change, whether through short-term care or a lifelong commitment. Grounded in community-based recruitment, strong family support, and active foster parent involvement, the program provides training, guidance, and responsive assistance every step of the way.
For Questions or More Information
Call 252-902-1244 or Email Chandra.Mewborn@pittcountync.gov
Children at the Heart of Under Our Wings
Children who enter foster care or adoption programs come from many different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. Each child brings unique strengths, interests, talents, and hopes for the future. While every story is different, all children deserve stability, encouragement, and a safe place to call “home.”
Many of these children have faced challenges no child should experience. Some have lived through abuse, neglect, or unsafe living conditions. Others may be coping with emotional or behavioral struggles, physical or developmental needs, or the stress of being separated from their families. These experiences can shape how they grow, trust, learn, and form relationships.
Children in foster care and adoption programs show remarkable resilience, even after difficult experiences. With understanding, patience, and consistent care, they can heal, build confidence, and thrive. They need someone who is willing to open their heart, offer guidance and love, believe in their potential, and support them as they grow.
At their core, these children need the same things every young person needs: love, support, and a dependable place to learn and grow. When individuals and families open their homes and hearts, they help build a strong foundation for a child’s future and the chance for them to reach their full potential.
Offering a Safe & Supportive Home When It Matters Most
Foster care offers a temporary, caring home for children who cannot stay with their families due to circumstances that affect their well-being. The goal is to support children, reduce risk, and, when possible, reunite them with their parents or relatives once conditions are stable.
What Foster Parents Do
- Care for a child until parents or relatives can resume responsibility or until a permanent home is found.
- Make a commitment to support a child during a difficult time.
- Provide temporary care with essentials such as food, shelter, clothing, and supervision.
- Encourage healthy and positive relationships.
- Arrange routine medical and dental care.
- Use positive, age-appropriate discipline.
- Work as part of a team to prepare the child for returning home when possible.
Who Can Be a Foster Parent?
- You must be at least 21 years old.
- You must have a stable home and income.
- You may be any race, gender, or ethnic background.
- You must be willing to complete fingerprinting and a criminal background check.
- You may be single or married.
- You may rent or own your home.
- Day care may be provided for the foster child if you work full-time.
- A high school diploma or GED is required.
Requirements to Become a Licensed Foster Parent
- Complete an application and family profile.
- Finish 30 hours of required training.
- Maintain a drug-free environment.
- Ensure everyone in the household receives a basic physical exam; adults must also have a TB test.
- Complete a fire safety inspection by the local fire marshal’s office.
- Complete fingerprinting and a criminal background check.
Resources
Joining Hearts & Loving Homes Through Adoption
When returning home is not possible, adoption offers a permanent, loving home for children. Once finalized, adoptive parents assume all legal rights, responsibilities, and obligations for the child as a member of their family.
Steps to Adoption
- Submit an application and questionnaire: Begin by completing an application and family profile.
- Complete required training: Attend 30 hours of pre-adoption training.
- Provide three references: References help give insight into your home and support system.
- Complete background checks: Each adoptive parent and any adult living in the home must complete fingerprinting and a criminal background check.
- Participate in a pre-placement assessment: A social worker meets with your family to complete a full assessment.
- Receive an approval decision: The adoption committee reviews the assessment and issues an approval or disapproval.
- Begin the family recruitment search: Staff search within the North Carolina Foster Care System to identify a child whose needs align with your family’s strengths.
- Learn about and meet the child: When a child is identified, information is shared, interviews take place, and visits are arranged between the child and your family.
- Move toward placement: If all parties agree it is a good match, an official placement is made and the legal adoption process begins.
- Request the final adoption order: Once the match is confirmed, a final order of adoption is requested from the court.
These steps help ensure children in Pitt County are matched with supportive, loving, and stable families ready to provide long-term care.