Requirements to become a Foster Parents

If you have an interest in becoming a foster parent and meet the following minimum qualifications then please call our office or complete our application.

• Must be a responsible, healthy adult, at least 21 years of age.
• Can be single or married. Must be divorced or widowed for at least one year.
• Be a legal resident of the U.S.
• Have no criminal or child abuse record.
• Have a driver's license, auto insurance and dependable transportation.
• Not be dependent on public assistance for family income.
• Not be dependent on the reimbursement from fostering to support you or your family.
• Have a medical exam by a licensed physician and obtain TB tests to verify that you are free of communicable diseases.
• Home must meet standards for safety, cleanliness, and fire code.
• Home must have proper sleeping arrangements for a child.
• Complete the required 20 hours of pre-service training.
• Become certified and maintain certification in CPR and First Aid.
• Abide Confidentiality and Discipline Policies.
• Earn the required in-service training hours annually.

Joys and Benefits of being a Foster Parent

• Giving a child a home and love.
• Being part of a treatment team of professionals advocating for the needs of a child.
• Participating in monthly support meetings with other parents.
• Watching a child begin to laugh with joy in their heart as they heal emotionally, physically, and spiritually.
• Receiving on-going training to assist you to be a professional parent.
• Opportunities for child advocacy and policy reform at the agency, community and state level.
• Medical and dental coverage for each foster child.
• Monthly stipend.
• Most of all the joy of knowing that you made a difference in a child's life. You gave them hope when they had none.