Blog | Guardian Light Family Services

Embarking on the foster care journey can be both exciting and intimidating. Guardian Light Family Services (GLFS) is here to guide you every step of the way.

1. Understanding Foster Care in Nebraska

The goal is to create a temporary safe haven for children until they can return to their families or move toward adoption.

2. Getting Licensed as a Foster Parent

Requirements include background checks, home inspections, and specific training.

3. Building Your Support System

GLFS has a dedicated team available 24/7 to help you navigate every challenge.

4. Preparing for Your First Placement

Understanding what to expect helps you prepare your home and family for a successful placement.

5. Maintaining Family Connections

Supporting children's connections to their birth families is an important part of the foster care process.

6. Practicing Self-Care

Foster parenting is rewarding but demanding. Taking care of yourself helps you take better care of the children in your home.

7. Embracing the Journey

Every foster care experience is unique. GLFS is here to support you through every step.

My husband and I did foster care to provide a safe home for children — but it didn't seem like enough. I ventured to the other side of the fence to help parents make changes so they never have to be in this situation again.

Amantha Moseley

FSW/Mentor, Cozad

Many parents who enter our services have only one tool — if any — in their toolbox. Our goal is that by the time they leave GLFS, they've built a full set of tools they can rely on moving forward.

Tony Ketcham

Family Support Supervisor, Ogallala

Most families involved in services truly love their kids — what they need is support, not judgment.

Amiya Puterbaugh

Family Support Worker, Omaha

I'm living proof that these services can truly change lives. My own family received Family Support services when I was growing up — and that experience changed the direction of my family for generations.

Ricky Wright

Family Support Supervisor, Norfolk

Targeted Help for Nebraska Families

Family Support workers partner with parents and caregivers to enhance protective factors within their households using evidence-based practices — aiming for safety, permanency and well-being.

Comprehensive Service Offerings

Services include parenting-time/supervised visits, drug-testing services and broad family-support outreach across Nebraska, helping families navigate multiple needs in one place.

Trusted Public-Sector Partnership

The program works under contract with the Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) for referred clients, which reinforces credibility and regulatory alignment.

Local Access and Statewide Coverage

While based in North Platte, GLFS's Family Support services reach families throughout Nebraska — providing accessible support whether you're urban or rural.

Holistic Support, Not Just Crisis Intervention

Rather than only reacting to issues, the program supports parents and guardians proactively with coaching, resources and education to strengthen the overall family system.

Mission-Driven Impact and Measurable Reach

The agency reports having served hundreds of families in recent years, showcasing both experience and community commitment.

Navigating the Nebraska Foster Care Journey: What Every New Foster Parent Should Know