How To Become a Foster Parent
Whether You're Just Starting Out Or Have Been Fostering For Years And Need Support
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Have you considered becoming a foster parent?
Here are some simple tools to help you understand the process and the path to becoming a foster parent.
Decide if Foster Parenting is Right for You
Before starting the process, it’s important to reflect on your motivations and readiness. Ask yourself:
- Why do I want to do this — what are my motivations?
- How does this all work when it comes to my spouse? Do I have a strong support system?
- What should I consider when it comes to my biological kids?
- Do I have the support system necessary to do foster care well?
- If not foster parenting, then what else could I do?
- Do I have the time and emotional strength to care for a child who has experienced trauma?
- Are you willing to foster siblings or make sure they stay in touch with each other?
- Am I ready to support the child’s reunification, even if it’s difficult for me?
FAQ's and tips that can also help you make a decision:
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- The goal of foster care is reunification
- What is the difference between fostering and adopting?
- Do I need to own a home to foster?
- Do I need to be married to foster?
- Do I need to make a certain amount to foster a child?
- Can I choose the age of the child I want to foster?
- How to potentially adopt a child you are fostering
- Do I have to adopt, or can I foster without long-term commitment?
- The benefits of fostering a teen
- How to introduce a new placement to the people in your life
Get Certified - Training, Paperwork and Preparation
While the certification process varies from state to state and even agency to agency you should expect to follow the elements:
- Application
- Training (usually 30 or more hours)
- How to partner with a child’s biological family
- Background checks
- Home study and inspection
Eligibility Requirements to Foster
The requirements to be a foster parent vary by state and agency, but most include:
- Age – Typically, you must be at least 21 years old.
- Stable Income – You need to demonstrate financial stability. Stipends help, but they won’t cover everything you need!
- Background Checks – A thorough screening, including fingerprinting.
- Home Study – An in-depth evaluation of your home, family, and lifestyle.
- Home Inspection – Evaluators look for safety measures, adequate space, and a clean, child-friendly environment.
See our checklist. - Training and Licensure – Most states require 30+ hours of foster care education and a licensure/certification.
Learn and Grow
Becoming an amazing foster parent is an ongoing process of learning and of finding great support. Just a few of the things you’ll want to explore over time include:
What Else to Know Before Becoming a Foster Parent
- Foster parenting is not the same as adoption—reunification with biological families is often the goal.
- Children in foster care may have experienced trauma and need extra emotional support.
- The process can take several months, depending on state requirements.
- It does not cost money to become a foster parent—most agencies cover training and home study costs.
- There are many types of foster care to consider.
Other Ways to Offer Care
- Emergency Foster Parenting – Immediate, short-term care for children who need placement due to urgent situations.
- Kinship Care – Placing children in a familiar environment with blood relatives or close family friends.
- Respite Care – Offers temporary relief for full-time foster parents
- CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) – Volunteers who advocate for the best interests of children in foster care during legal proceedings.
- Therapeutic Foster Care – Supports children with greater emotional, behavioral, or medical needs.
Start Your Journey to Become a Foster Parent
Foster parenting is a rewarding experience that changes lives. If you’re ready to take the next step, contact your local foster care agency to begin the application process today. Every child deserves a loving and supportive home, and you can be the difference in their life.
