Becoming a foster parent can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. Foster care is a service that states provide to families who can no longer care for their children.

A state will place a child in a foster home for a variety of reasons, including parental neglect, abuse, substance abuse, poverty, mental illness, or homelessness.

The goal of the foster care program is to provide a temporary home to the children while the child’s parent or parents get the help they need to improve their home for the child. With foster care, reuniting families is a top priority. However, if the child’s parents are unable to correct the problem, a foster parent may be able to apply to adopt the foster child permanently.

If you’re interested in becoming a foster parent, you will need to follow your state’s requirements for the application and training process. Once you begin fostering a child, the state will pay you a daily rate for the child’s clothing, food, and shelter needs.

Do I Need to Have a Partner or Spouse to Foster a Child?

No. It’s a common misconception that only married couples can apply to foster a child. Research has shown that children can thrive in a single parent household, so foster care agencies don’t limit the service to couples.

Individuals interested in fostering a child will need to meet a variety of requirements to qualify, but don’t let a myth stop you from exploring your options.

What Are the Requirements to Become a Foster Parent?

Some states require foster parents to be licensed, but others only need you to attend training and complete the application process. Typically, qualified foster parents are at least 18 years old (some agencies require you to be at least 21), physically healthy, and must pass a criminal background check. Additionally, you’ll need to demonstrate to the agency that you are financially stable, have a home that’s safe and appropriate for children, and are ready to become a parent, even though it’s temporary.

Before you agree to foster, it’s important for you to understand that most foster children come from abusive or neglectful environments. Children may have physical disabilities, mental illness, or trauma-related injuries. Foster parents must be prepared to utilize state-sponsored medical or psychological services as needed and understand that the process is sometimes emotionally challenging.

The Foster Parent Process Begins With a Phone Call

The first step in the process is for you to determine which agency (private or state) you’d like to use and call to get more information. Most agencies will take your contact information to send you informational packages and an application. The representative may also talk to you about your reasoning for becoming a foster parent and discuss the basic process to make sure you want to take the next steps.

Most states have multiple foster care agencies, including your local Department of Human Services. It’s helpful for you to contact various agencies and gather information from each so you can make an informed decision before deciding to continue.

Before you fill out the application, it might be helpful for you to attend an informational meeting provided by the agency. Informational meetings are a place for potential foster parents to meet other families, learn more about the approval process, and get an overview of the foster care system.

Once you complete the application, the agency may contact you to schedule a home study.

The Home Study

A home study is the best way for the agency to verify that you, your home, and anyone that lives with you, are suitable for foster children. A social worker will contact you to schedule one or more visits at your convenience, which may happen over some time.

In addition to checking the physical space of your home, the social worker will also ask you about your family background, past parenting experiences, and anyone else who lives with you.

If the social worker finds an issue with your home, you may be given an opportunity to fix the problem before the next visit.

You’ll Need to Provide Documentation

As part of your home study and the foster care approval process, you’ll need to show the social worker proof of what you’ve stated in your application. Some common documents that agencies require include:

• tax returns and pay stubs to prove income (although you don’t need to be wealthy to foster a child, you do need to demonstrate that you can provide for yourself and your family)
• birth certificates for yourself and anyone else who lives with you
• a copy of your marriage license (if applicable), and
• medical records for everyone living in the home.

Background Check and Fingerprints

All states require you and every family member that lives with you to complete a criminal background check, which includes providing your fingerprints. In most states, the social worker will help you arrange your fingerprinting, but if not, you can call your local law enforcement agency to schedule a time to complete the requirement.

Training for Potential Foster Parents

Along with the other application requirements, you’ll also need to attend a series of foster parent training classes that are sponsored by the foster care agency. Most states require parents to participate in at least 10-25 hours of training. Training may include:

• first aid and CPR training
• an overview of the foster care process
• tips on how to work with your agency, and
• more details on how parents can cope with children in the foster care system, especially children who have a history of physical or mental illness.

After you’ve completed the application, background check, home study, and required training, the social worker will provide a recommendation to the agency on your status as a foster parent. You may receive a call requesting a child’s placement immediately, or you may wait up to a year before you open your home to a child in need.

If you need more information on your state-specific foster process, contact a family law attorney in your area.