Become a Foster Grandparent Volunteer

If you're 55 or older, are able to volunteer between 15-40 hours per week and want to assist children, become a Foster Grandparent volunteer!

Benefits include:

  • A tax-free stipend, paid time off and holiday time.
  • Free supplemental insurance while volunteering, including excess auto liability, accident insurance and personal liability insurance.
  • Meals for each day of service, when available at the volunteer station.
  • Monthly training.
  • Annual recognitions.

Additionally, Foster Grandparent Volunteers:

  • Remain engaged and active in their communities while making new friends.
  • Share their time and talents mentoring children with exceptional needs.
  • Provide one-to-one relationships built on trust and unconditional support that can develop into a future of unlimited potential.

What You Need to Know to Get Started

Note: Click on an item below to reveal the information.

What does a Foster Grandparent volunteer do?

Foster Grandparents volunteer between 15-40 hours per week and are role models, mentors and friends to children with exceptional needs.

Volunteer activities may include:

  • Playing and reading with young children in child care or Head Start centers.
  • Helping children with basic academic skills and providing one-on-one tutoring.
  • Providing children unconditional support and helping develop social skills.
  • Mentoring teenagers and young mothers in need of guidance and support.
  • Caring for premature infants or children with disabilities.
  • Mentoring children who have been abused or neglected.
  • Mentoring children of veterans and deployed military.

Do the children live with me?

Foster Grandparent volunteers are not foster parents. The children do not live with you. You will meet your mentee at your designated volunteer station site.

What kind of training will I receive?

Before you begin serving children, you will receive training that includes:

  • An introduction to the Foster Grandparent Program.
  • Information about the organization where you will volunteer.
  • Information related to community resources and team building activities to assist with your mentoring experience.

I heard I might be able to get paid for this?

Volunteers who meet certain income guidelines are eligible to receive a tax-free stipend and are eligible for travel reimbursement to and from their volunteer station. The stipend is not considered income and will not affect Social Security or other benefits.

How do I know if there is a program in my city?

Texas Health and Human Services operates the Foster Grandparent Program in the following greater-urban areas. If you are in a county near one of these locations and are interested in the program, please contact the location for more information.

How do I get started?

Follow these simple steps.

  1. Complete and submit the Foster Grandparent Program application.
  2. Attend an interview with an HHS Foster Grandparent Program staff member.
  3. Undergo a criminal background check.

Can I volunteer virtually?

Yes, virtual volunteer service may be an option in your area. Contact your local Foster Grandparent Program office for more information.

Open to all eligible volunteers.