​Baltimore Adolescent Treatment and Guidance Organization, Inc

(BATGO, Inc.)

Established in 1997

“Making the Difference in the Life of  Youths

Makes a Difference in our Community”

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Fostering Relationships

Independent Living

Trauma-Informed Care

Treatment Foster Parent Applicant Eligibility Information

 

Below are some of the key criteria for becoming a foster parent with BATGO, Inc.  For a comprehensive list of eligibility requirements, please contact us.   

 

  • Must be 21 years of age or older.
  • You are a single individual, married, domestic partnership, or LGBTQ couple, and live in your own apartment or house.
  • Every member of the household and frequent visitor who is 18 years of age or older must undergo a state and federal criminal background check as well as a Child Protective Services (CPS) background check.
  • Every member of your household and regular visitor must undergo an initial medical examination to assess their physical and emotional capacity to care for children. This includes a tuberculosis test or x-ray, as well as screening for any other communicable diseases. Additionally, reexamination is required at least once every two years.
  • Provide four references to attest to your parenting abilities: three personal references and one employment reference. Note that if there is a child in your home who attends school, one of the personal references must be completed by the child’s school administrator, counselor, or teacher.
  • Successful completion of 27 hours of Pre-Service Training.
  • Your home must undergo inspections for Health/Sanitary approval and Fire Safety approval.
  • Allow a BATGO, Inc. worker to conduct a minimum of three visits to your home to interview all household members and complete an agency inspection.
  • The certification process must be finalized within 120 days of submitting the foster parent application.
    Download Informational BrochureDownload Foster Care Application

    WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A FOSTER PARENT

    Becoming a treatment foster parent is more than just opening your home—it’s opening your heart to a journey filled with profound purpose and connection. You are stepping into a role beyond caregiving; you are becoming a beacon of hope and healing for children and youth aged 0-20 who have faced significant emotional, behavioral, or medical challenges. Each child you welcome into your life brings with them their own story, and with your love and guidance, you have the power to help them write a brighter, more hopeful chapter.

     In this nurturing role, you’ll create a safe and stable environment where these young individuals can begin to heal from past wounds and discover their true potential. The path may not always be easy, but with comprehensive training, you’ll be well-prepared to meet the unique needs of each child. You’re never alone on this journey—our dedicated caseworkers and a network of professionals will be by your side, offering unwavering support and resources to help you navigate the complexities of fostering.

    Your impact extends beyond the children in your care; you’ll also play a crucial role in the lives of their families. Through open communication and compassionate support, you’ll assist in the reunification process whenever possible, helping to mend and strengthen family bonds. By providing a nurturing environment and facilitating visitations, you’ll be an essential part of a child’s journey back to their birth family, helping to pave the way for healing on all sides.

    As a treatment foster parent, you’re also preparing these young individuals for their futures. You’ll teach them vital independent living skills—everything from cooking and budgeting to building emotional resilience and self-reliance—empowering them to navigate adulthood with confidence and strength. Your influence will resonate long after they leave your home, shaping their lives in ways that will last a lifetime.

     To be a foster parent is to be a source of love, stability, and opportunity. It is to be part of something bigger than yourself—a movement towards healing, growth, and hope for every child who comes through your door.

    HEAR HOW WE HAVE HELPED

    FOSTER PARENT

    I’ve been a foster parent for over 18 years and with BATGO for 3 years.  I absolutely enjoy doing this type of work.  I have had the pleasure of working with the wonderful staff at BATGO. Wonderful youth and I’m learning new things from the youth and teaching them as much as I can. It’s just been an absolute pleasure to work with the staff who communicate well, and who appreciate the work that foster parents do on a daily basis and I welcome the opportunity to tell other parents the great joy and benefits of being a foster parent.   ~ Linda Roundtree

    FOSTER PARENT

    We have been foster parents for over 10 years and have fostered many children. We have one young man right now that has been with us for over 6 years. It has been our pleasure to work with this organization. They are there to support us and to support this young man and to push him to do the best that he can do and the best that he can be.  We are grateful for BATGO because they not only look out for the children, they look out for us, foster parents.  We have a very cohesive relationship with our foster son and the organization.  We want to thank you, BATGO, for all you do what you give out, and all you supply for the needs of our home to make our foster son the best that he can be.  ~Mr. & Mrs. Flanagan

    Foster parent

    I have a sincere love for all children and a soft spot in my heart.  To know that sometimes children are abused and neglected and that I’m able to give them the love that they deserve, led me to be a foster parent.  I’m hoping love will help nurture someone and give them hope. ~Alisa Bell

     

    Foster parent

    I’m a foster parent with BATGO and have been here for so many years. I love kids.  I love to inspire them and teach them all kinds of talents and skills. When a youth comes into the program, they are enlightened by some of the things that I do in Baltimore City that can help make them independent.  I get them (Foster youth) ready for independent living and out on their own. ~Maria Waldron

     

    All correspondence to the Board of Directors may be mailed directly to:

    Attn: Board President
    2901 Druid Park Drive, Suite #A103
    Baltimore, Maryland 21215
    410-728-5551 Fax: 410-728-5515​

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