How To Become A Foster Parent
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Whether You Are Just Starting Out Or Have Been Fostering For Years and Need Support
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.
1. 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?
- 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 ability to care for a child who has experienced trauma?
- Are you willing to foster siblings or make sure they stay in touch?
- Am I ready to support a child's reunification, even if it's difficult?
2. Get Certified or Licensed
While the certification process varies from state to state and even agency to agency you should expect to follow the elements:
- Training (usually 30 or more hours)
- Background checks
- Home study and/or interviews
- Application
3. 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:
Want to Get involved?
Learn about different ways you can make a change in the way children experience foster care.
