Curious about what it takes to become a foster parent? You aren’t the only one. There isn’t a lot of information regarding the process of becoming a foster parent, what happens before, during, and after floating around on the internet. Hopefully the below FAQ will leave you more information than you had before.
I’m a single parent. Can I still become a foster parent?
Yes! Just because you are a single parent does not mean you can’t provide high quality care to a foster child. However, foster children do require 24-hour adult supervision, so you will need to provide the information of a capable backup provider who can also care for your foster child in case of an emergency, illness, or simply in place of your absence.
What will be required of me if I want to become a foster parent?
Potential foster parents are required to complete 12 hours of pre-certification training and be able to maintain 12 hours of annual training and be willing to have homes inspected for safety. Foster parents can be single or married and must:
- Over the age of 25
- Have NO criminal record
- Submit application documents include your DMV driving record, CPR and First Aid Certificates, physical and TB test
What is the cost of becoming a foster parent?
There are very minimal out-of-pocket costs associated with becoming a foster parent. They include fingerprinting and the CPR/First Aid training. Your fees for both will be reimbursed after you become certified.
What type of financial situation do I have to be in?
You do not have to be rich to be a foster parent. You just need to make sure you have Foster parents must have adequate amount of regular income to be able to care for their family and not have to rely on the foster family reimbursement.
Keep in mind, temporary disability, student loans, and unemployment compensation do not qualify as income.
Will I be able to meet with my foster child before they are placed with me?
Pre-placement visits typically do not occur. You will be provided with all of the necessary information of the foster child and will need to make a decision on whether or not you would like to foster that child based only on that information.
How long will it take for a foster child placed in my home once I am certified?
There is no set time frame for how long it will take for a foster child to be placed in your care – it all depends on the situation. Placements can take anywhere between a few days to months.
Do I have to pay to become a foster parent?
There are minimal out-of-pocket costs associated with completion of the Live Scan (fingerprinting) and the CPR/First Aid training. Once you are certified we will reimburse the fees you and your