How to become a Foster Parent
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When parents are unable, unwilling or unfit to care for a child, the a new home must be found for the child. In some cases, there is little or no chance a child can return to their parents' custody, so they need a new permanent home. In other situations, children only need a temporary home until their parents' situation changes. In any case, the children need somewhere to stay until a permanent home is possible, which is where foster parents home in.
General Requirements for foster parents
Each state has different rules, regulations and procedures or guidelines to follow. Most states require that the foster parents be licensed by the state, others simply approve the home for placement of children.
Basic requirements usually include:
- completion of an application for family home license
- background check, criminal history check and finger printing of each adult member of the household
- family stability
- home inspection and personal interview
- character references
- minimum age of applicant: 21
- prior to licensure/certification pre-service training
Foster parents receive a partial reimbursement of costs incurred for each child in your care.
Getting Started: Foster Parenting Through your State Agency
If you decide you are interested in becoming a foster or adoptive parent, please contact your state's foster care specialist. They will be more than happy to discuss with you the process of training and approval of your home. Refer to our State by State page for contact information for states's foster care specialist
Getting Started: Become a Foster Parent Through a Private Agency
In most States, there are private agencies also providing adoptive and foster care services. These agencies could use your help as well. To find out about these agencies, contact your state's licensing specialist address and phone. The specialist can provide you with a list of agencies licensed to provide foster care or adoptive services in your state.
Online Foster Parent Training
For foster parents who need training hours, FosterClub provides online training Course for free. Learn more here...
To Guardian Pat-
Does your region use respite or emergency (Hotline) homes? I became a Hotline Home for teens after I heard from a worker that they didnt have enough beds for teens. It's to be on call in case anyone needs a safe place overnight after the office is closed or for the weekend. The licensing and training is the same as foster training. It's a bit odd not knowing if the phone will ring at random hours but I am really enjoying being able to be useful to the kids this way. I try to make it as low-stress as possible even though they're only here one night or for the weekend. I recommend it to anyone who wants to help but cant provide a fulltime foster home for some reason.
This is really a great site... The main reason why I am here is to find somebody or perhaps a group of people whom I can talk to about foster parenting. I enjoy kids a lot, in fact they are one of my main inspirations in life. Its a very deep joy if you can see a kid's smile from your help.
I have gone through foster care and have had some really bad experiences with foster parents. If it's not your passion, then don't do it! If you just want the money please don't become a foster parent. Foster kids would appreciate a dedicated, caring adult and not just someone who sees you like a number. Thanks.
Hi, I'm wondering if there is such a thing as being a foster aunt/grandma? I travel a lot on business during the week so full time foster care isn't possible for me, but I am always home on weekends and holidays and would love to have kids in the home. I'm a GAL now and that is rewarding, but I would rather be a weekend foster parent if such a thing is allowed?
As for the person who was charged with domestic violence 3 years ago - if you were convicted = of course you can't foster!
Sandy - in most cases the parents DO want their kids back from foster care - but just aren't able to be good parents.
No - being in the military or having a job that makes you travel does not keep you from fostering as long as one parent is at home.
This summer, our 17 year old foster daughter was verbally abusive and defiant. We asked her to step outside and calm down until she could talk to us calmly. This is a technique we were told to use by our fostercare agency. She refused to leave and became more verbally abusive in front of our other three children. My husband guided her out of the house with the door remaining unlocked. We called the agency while this was happening to report her behavior and what we had to do. Now we are being written up because she says my husband pushed her out of the house. Is there anything we can do? No one has asked for our side of this incident.
It really depends on your state, the degree of the offense and other factors. I suggest you ask your state's DHS department directly to find out.
I would like to a foster parent but about 3 years ago i got a criminal domestic violence charge. since then i have re married and have a new life now. can i stil foster?
hi i want to become a foster parent in maryland i will be 21 years old soon and idk do you think its a good idea
im so mad that i have to be 21 to be a foster mother but maybe its a good thing it gives me time to get everything together ... i cant wait
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