STEPS TO BECOMING A FOSTER PARENT

Step One “Requirements”: First, you must make sure that you meet the following basic requirements for foster parenting:

®  Are between the ages of 27 and 65

®  Married couples must be married a minimum of 2 years

®  Are physically and mentally able to care for a child

®  Have a minimum of high school education or GED

®  Family income is sufficient to allow for a reasonably comfortable standard of living

Step Two “Inquiry”: Call our office and speak to a member of our foster program team.  You will be asked detailed questions about your family and the children you wish to serve.

Step Three “Interview”: Meet with our staff for an initial interview about foster parenting.  In this interview, you have the opportunity to ask detailed questions about our program and foster parenting.  We will also have the opportunity to get to know you and determine if we think you are a fit for our agency.  You will also receive the application packet at this meeting.  If married, both parents are required to attend.

Step Four “Application”:  Complete the application packet.  The application packet consists of an application check sheet, the Foster Parent Application, Permission for Background Checks, Life Story for each parent and Medical Statement for each parent. 

Step Five “Home Inspection”: Once the application process is complete, our social worker will make a visit to your home for a home inspection.  The social worker will make sure that your home meets all of the requirements for foster parenting. 

Step Six “Training”:  All foster parents are required to attend initial training sessions as well as on-going training sessions after they become a licensed foster parent.  Initial training sessions are conducted 4 times a year: January, April, July, and October.