Last updated: April 22, 2026
This Privacy Policy describes how StartFosterCare (“we,” “our,” or “us”) collects, uses, and shares information about you when you visit our websites, register for our events, or communicate with us.
1. Who we are
StartFosterCare operates recruitment platforms for foster care agencies, connecting prospective foster parents with agencies that need them. We operate at startfostercare.org.
If you have questions about this policy, contact us at hello@startfostercare.org.
2. Information we collect
Information you provide directly
When you register for one of our virtual information sessions, we collect:
- Email address (required to register)
- First name (optional)
- Phone number (optional, for SMS reminders if you opt in)
- Responses to eligibility questions (whether you meet the basic requirements to be considered as a foster parent by our partner agency)
- Free-text responses, including any question you choose to submit for the event (“what’s one question you want answered?”)
When you reply to our emails or text messages, we collect the content of your message and your contact identifier (email address or phone number).
Information collected automatically
When you visit our websites, we collect certain technical information automatically, including:
- IP address
- Browser type and version
- Referring website (if you arrived via a link from another site)
- UTM tracking parameters included in the URL you used to reach us (for example, from a Google Ads campaign)
- Pages visited and timestamps
We do not use third-party advertising cookies or cross-site tracking technologies.
3. How we use your information
We use the information we collect for the following purposes:
- To process your event registration and send you the Zoom link to join
- To send you reminders about events you registered for, by email and (if you opt in) by SMS
- To share your registration information with the partner agency hosting the event you registered for (such as Community Resources for Justice), so their staff can follow up with you after the event about your interest in fostering
- To answer questions you send us by email or text message
- To improve our service by understanding which registration sources produce the most successful event attendance
- To comply with our legal obligations, including record-keeping requirements that apply to child welfare services
4. SMS text messages
If you opt in to SMS reminders, we will send text messages to your phone number about the specific event you registered for. These messages are transactional — we do not send marketing text messages.
You can opt out of SMS at any time by replying STOP to any message. Reply HELP to any message for assistance. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency varies based on the events you register for.
Your phone number and consent status are logged for compliance purposes. We do not share phone numbers with third parties for marketing purposes.
Our SMS service is operated by Twilio.
5. How we share your information
We share your information only in the following situations:
With our partner foster care agencies
When you register for an event hosted by a partner agency (for example, Community Resources for Justice), we share your registration information with that agency so their social workers can follow up with you. This includes your name, email, phone number, eligibility responses, and any questions you submitted.
With service providers who operate our technology
Each of these service providers accesses only the information necessary to perform their function and is bound by their own privacy and security commitments.
When required by law
We may disclose your information if required by law, subpoena, court order, or other legal process, or to protect the rights, property, or safety of StartFosterCare, our users, or others.
In connection with a business transfer
If StartFosterCare is acquired by or merged with another organization, we may transfer your information to the successor organization, subject to the terms of this policy.
6. We do not sell your information
We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for their marketing purposes.
7. Data retention
We retain your registration information for as long as necessary to:
- Complete the event you registered for and follow up afterward
- Respond to inquiries you send us
- Comply with our legal and contractual obligations, including record-keeping requirements imposed by state child welfare regulations (typically seven years)
If you ask us to delete your information, we will do so to the extent permitted by law. Some records may be retained longer where required by regulation.
8. Your rights and choices
Depending on your location, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information:
- Access: You can request a copy of the information we hold about you.
- Correction: You can ask us to correct inaccurate information.
- Deletion: You can ask us to delete your information, subject to our legal obligations.
- Opt-out of SMS: Reply STOP to any text message.
- Opt-out of email: Use the unsubscribe link in any marketing email, or reply to any transactional email asking to be removed.
To exercise any of these rights, email us at hello@startfostercare.org. We will respond within 30 days.
9. Security
We use reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your information, including:
- Encrypted connections (HTTPS) on our websites
- Encrypted database storage
- Access controls limiting who at StartFosterCare or our partner agencies can view your information
- Vendor service providers chosen for their security practices
No system is perfectly secure, however, and we cannot guarantee the absolute security of your information.
10. Children’s privacy
Our services are not directed to children under 18, and we do not knowingly collect information from children. If you are a parent and believe your child has provided us with personal information, contact us at hello@startfostercare.org and we will delete the information.
11. International users
Our services are provided from the United States and are intended for United States residents. If you access our services from outside the United States, your information will be transferred to and processed in the United States.
12. Changes to this policy
We may update this policy from time to time. When we do, we will update the “Last updated” date at the top. For material changes, we will notify registered users by email.
13. Contact us
If you have questions about this policy or our privacy practices, contact us at:
StartFosterCare
Email: hello@startfostercare.org