How To Become a Foster Parent – The 5 Step Guide

If you’ve ever wondered how to become a foster parent, you’re not alone. There are over 400,000 kids in the U.S. foster care system, and just over 210,000 licensed foster parents, making the need for more foster parents critical. 

While the steps to becoming a foster parent are generally similar across states, it’s important to understand that each state has specific requirements and processes. 

Below is a general guide to becoming a foster parent in the United States.

(Want to know how to adopt instead? Check out our state-by-state Guide to Adoption!)

Step 1: Find Out Foster Care Requirements In Your State

Each state has its own rules for becoming a foster parent. These rules are set by your state’s Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) or a similar agency.

Here are some things that can vary depending on where you live:

• Age Requirements: Some states may require you to be at least 21 years old, while others may have different age rules. Some places allow younger people to become foster parents if they meet certain conditions.
• Home Safety: Your home may need to meet certain safety standards. For example, you may need to have a separate bedroom for each foster child, or your home may need to pass a safety inspection.
• Background Checks: All states will do a criminal background check, but what’s considered a “disqualifying” offense can vary by state.
• Financial Stability: You don’t need to be rich to be a foster parent, but you will need to show that you can take care of yourself and a foster child financially.

The first step is contacting your state agency to get started. Once you know what the rules are in your state, you can begin the process of applying to become a foster parent. 

Here are some of the websites you can learn more about becoming a foster parent in your state:

• Arizona: Arizona Department of Child Safety
• California: California Department of Social Services
• Missouri: Missouri Department of Social Services
• New York: New York State Office of Children and Family Services
• Ohio: Department of Job & Family Services
• Pennsylvania: Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
• Texas: Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
• Florida: Florida Department of Children and Families
• Illinois: Illinois Department of Children and Family Services
• Georgia: Georgia Division of Family & Children Services
• Washington: Washington State Department of Social and Health Services

Step 2: Complete Foster Parent Training Program

In most states, foster parents are required to attend an approved training course to help them understand the challenges of foster care and how to best care for children in need.

These training programs cover a variety of topics, including:

• Child Development: Learning about the emotional and physical development of children and how foster care may affect them.
• Parenting Techniques: Learning different strategies for building trust and providing emotional support, as well as how to communicate effectively with a child.
• Cultural Tolerance: Understanding and learning ways to connect with and respect a child from different racial, ethnic, or cultural backgrounds. 
• Dealing with Trauma: How to handle challenging behaviors and create a supportive environment, including trauma and PTSD responses.
• Legal Processes: Understanding how the legal system works, and what might be required of you, such as attending court hearings, as well as the rights of both foster and biological parents. 
• Self-Care for Parents: Learning how to take care of yourself as a foster parent and managing stress so you can be the best parent possible.

The training can vary in length and format, between 10-30 hours on average. Some states may offer online courses, while others may have in-person training sessions. Depending on your state, this training may take several weeks to complete.

Step 3: Complete a Home Study

A home study is a detailed review of your home and family life to make sure it’s a safe and loving place for a child.  It helps an agency learn about you and prepares you for the responsibilities of fostering. While it can seem intimidating, think of it as a helpful way to ensure you’re ready.

Here’s what to expect:

• Interviews with a Social Worker: A social worker will talk to everyone living in your home, including your partner(s), roommates, and children. They’ll also interview you! They will ask about your reasons for wanting to foster, how you handle parenting challenges, and how you plan to meet a foster child’s needs.
• Background Checks: Everyone in the home over a certain age will need to complete a background check. This includes fingerprinting to look for any past criminal records.
• Home Inspection: Your home must pass a safety check. Some of the things a social worker will look for are a working smoke detector, locked storage for medications, and proper sleeping arrangements 
  • Working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
  • Locked storage for medications and cleaning supplies.
  • A proper sleeping space — each foster child needs their own bed, and some states may require separate bedrooms depending on the child’s age and gender.
• Reviewing Finances: The home study also includes reviewing your finances to ensure you can financially care for a foster child. 

Home studies typically take a few weeks to complete. Once your home is approved, you’ll be one step closer to welcoming a foster child into your family!

Step 4: Get Licensed or Certified

This process varies by state but usually involves submitting paperwork, passing health and safety checks, and providing personal references. Licensing/certification can take a few months, depending on your location. There is typically no fee to become licensed. 

Once approved, you’ll be ready to welcome a foster child into your home and begin your journey as a foster parent.

Step 5: Submit an Application

The final step in how to become a foster parent is submitting your application to the foster care agency. Your completed application will include the results of your home study, proof of completed training, background check clearance, and any other required forms. Some states also ask for a written statement about your motivation to foster.

Once your application is reviewed and approved, you’ll officially become a licensed or certified foster parent. This approval marks the beginning of your journey, where you’ll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by providing a safe and loving home for children in need.

Conclusion

Becoming a foster parent is a powerful way to change a child’s life while enriching your own. By following these steps and working with your local foster care agency, you’ll be ready to provide the stability and care that children in foster care need!