You must be at least 21 years of age to become a foster parent. In addition, you must have healthy relationships with other people in your life. There is no marriage requirement to be a foster parent. You must have a working vehicle and the ability to manage your personal finances without relying on the funds that state will pay you to care for a foster child. Foster parents are also prevented from smoking in the home at all times, or in the car when foster children are present.
Instructions
1. Obtain and complete an application to become a foster parent at your local department of human or social services in the county where you live. The application will require personal information such as your full name, date of birth, age and Social Security number. List all persons living in your home. You will also need to submit personal references. Submit your completed application to the department of human or social services.
2. Clean, fix and prepare your home. All homes must be clean and safe. For instance, fix the leak in the roof or the door that is jammed. Place all medications in an area that is not easily accessible.
3. Submit to a background check. You, and any household member over the age of 18, must submit fingerprints. A criminal records check on you, and any person living in your home over the age of 13, will be conducted. You must allow a Juvenile Justice Information Search for any person over 13 in your home. There can be no history of alleged abuse of any kind against you or any household member. The background check will also verify that you and your household members are in good mental and physical health.
4. Submit to an evaluation. A social worker will interview you and other household members to assess the stability of your household. They will also look over your home and determine if it is safe and clean. Also based on the number of available rooms and beds, the social worker will determine how many foster children can stay in your home at any given time. Girls and boys can't share a room, and each child must have their own bed and dresser.
5. Complete all required training. Once the application is approved, the department will inform you of the required training and when classes are available. Prospective foster parents are trained to nurture foster children, handle troubled children and build positive relationships with the child's birth parents. In addition, there is childhood health training, where you will learn about childhood immunizations, dealing with health emergencies, infection control and nutrition.
6. Complete any additional requirements to become certified or licensed as a foster parent. You may be required to repair things in your home or install safety locks on your cabinets. After you have completed all requirements, you will receive your license and the department will contact you when a child needs placement.
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