FAQs
You have questions, we have answers! Our team is dedicated to helping you navigate the foster care industry. If your question hasn't been answered, reach out to us, we'd be happy to help!
Qualifications
Foster families come in all shapes and sizes! Below are the minimum requirements to become a foster parent:
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Either be a single individual or a married couple. Couples may not co-habitat (be unmarried and share a household).
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Must be 21 years or older.
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Must have current legal status in the United States.
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Must be cleared by a medical provider to be healthy enough to care for children and persons that may enter their home.
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Must be financially stable and able to support their household without relying on payment from foster care.
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All persons above the age of 18 that reside in the household must be able to and must pass background checks.
Training
Q: How long does it take to become a foster parent?
The licensing process includes background checks, training, and a home visit. This can take roughly 4 - 8 weeks, depending on your time commitment to training and the speed in which your background check is processed.
Q: What is the process of becoming a foster parent?
To begin, you must complete and submit a proctor application to our Training team. They will reach out to you to begin the process of beginning your background check, done at our office or a location near you, walking you through our in-house training, and gathering miscellaneous documents you must provide for licensure. Training covers 32 hours of agency and industry specific knowledge to equip you with the skills necessary to care for foster children and persons in your home.
After you have completed training, one of our staff members will inspect your home to make sure it meets necessary requirements.
After training is fully complete, documents submitted, your background check is approved, and home inspection done, you are finished with pre-service training!
Others Q's
Q: Do I have to own a home to be a foster parent?
No! Foster parents can live in apartments, single family homes, townhomes, manufactured homes, you name it! As long as your home is in good condition, meets the agency's requirements, and has available room, you can become a foster parent!
Q: I can't foster now, are there other ways I can get involved?
There are so many ways to give back! Our agency, our families, and children appreciate your willingness to help.
Ways you can help a foster family and foster children include:
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Donation of hygiene items such as deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, hairbrushes, body wash, diapers, or any other hygiene items.
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Donation of school supplies such as binders, notebooks, pencils, highlighters, or other supplies.
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Gently used or new clothes, toys, bedroom furniture, etc.
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Providing a meal to a foster family and their foster children.
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Sponsoring a foster child's Christmas or birthday.
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Providing emotional and prayer support for the foster families and foster children.
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Engaging foster families and foster children in the community with open arms and open hearts!
Have more questions? We'd love to hear from you!
