Becoming a Foster Parent

In addition, most agencies would expect that you meet the following:

• Provide 24-hour care and supervision on a daily basis
• Be able to care for yourself financially without the child’s stipend
• Be flexible, patient and understanding
• Have a home free of fire and safety hazards
• Complete a criminal/protective services background check
• Have the ability to work as a member of a team

Initial Meeting. Some agencies offer information meetings. At an information meeting, the agency presents an overview of the role and responsibilities of foster parents. Information is also given about the agency’s need for foster parents and the type of children they serve in foster care. Other agencies will schedule an appointment in your home for the initial meeting. The first meeting will likely end with the licensing worker giving you an application and forms to complete. The worker should also give you a copy of the state foster care licensing rules and regulations.

Exploring Your Interests and Capabilities. The licensing process is designed to help both you and the agency. While the process may vary, it always has two equally important purposes, one to help you, as a family, determine whether foster care is the right thing for your family, and to assess the children you might best serve and second, to help the agency determine whether you meet the requirements for licensure and to help them understand which children would fit with your family.

Family Assessment. The family assessment is sometimes referred to as a “home study.” It involves gathering information about each member of your family and formally assessing your capability to care for children. The agency will likely ask you to complete a social history and several questionnaires. In addition, the licensing worker will ask you many questions about your childhood, relationships and interests. The assessment is extensive — but usually not difficult — and gives you an opportunity to think about yourself, your interests and your motivations.

References and Background Checks. The agency will ask you to provide three or more references. The background checks are a formal review of your criminal and child protection history. The background check is important to ensure that people with a history of potentially harming children are not licensed.

Home Safety Check. The agency is required to look at your house or apartment to assure it is safe for children.

Orientation and Pre-Service Training. Most agencies require 10 to 30 hours of training before you can become licensed or before a child is matched with your family. 

Licensure. At the end of the study process, the licensing worker will complete a written report with recommendations and submit the appropriate forms to the licensing agency in order to have the license issued.