Request information about fostering
Pros and cons to both state and private foster care.
State agencies have a lot of information about the child and their situation. You may also have more choices if you work with your state or county agency. On the other hand, state caseworkers tend to have large caseloads.
Private agencies are smaller and ideal for parents who want to form a relationship with their agency. It can also be easier and faster to reach your caseworker.
If you're fostering with a spouse or partner, talk with them and decide on the best choice together. Fostering impacts the entire family, so you want to hear everyone's opinion.
Regardless of your choice, your agency will help you through the licensure process. Once you decide on an agency, the first step in fostering is to go to their website and find their contact information. You'll then provide some basic information about your goals and interests.
You'll receive a call from a foster parent advocate, who will get to know you and tell you what to expect. Now is a great time to ask some questions. For instance, some parents want to foster a baby and to know if it's possible.
Orientation meeting for foster parenting
After the first discussion over the phone, you'll receive an invitation to attend a parent orientation.
If you confirm your interest in this free orientation, you may get a reserved spot and a reminder before the event. We recommend having both parents attend the orientation.
Now is the time to assess whether you're ready to foster and deal with the changes and obstacles that may follow.
This meeting is where you'll learn more about how to become a foster parent, the agency's methods, what kinds of kids are in foster care, and more. It's a good time to develop your first impression of the agency.
You can attend the orientation for different agencies if you're not sure which one is the best fit for you. This is when you should ask about their process, specific foster parent requirements, etc.
During orientation, you'll receive informational materials like parent packets and a list of foster care rules and regulations. You'll also get a foster parent application and other forms to complete.
Foster parent application
Once you've met with the agency for the orientation, you can fill out the application and begin the next parts of the process. The application phase and pre-service training can start at the same time.
Adults must finish pre-service training, agree to a foster parent background check and fingerprint-based check, meet with the agency for a home study, and submit paperwork to prove they can meet all foster parent qualifications.
All adults in the home must go through a criminal background check and submit their fingerprints. This is for the child's safety and to avoid placing them in dangerous environments or situations.
Pre-Service Training
You'll have to complete a certain number of hours of pre-service training. This can be done in person or online, and the sessions typically last four to ten weeks.
The number of hours you need to complete can vary by state. Foster parents must complete in-service training after getting their license, which we'll cover later.
During training, you'll learn more about common myths and discover how the foster system works. You'll discover valuable tidbits like the median age of foster children and your options for fostering certain ages, sibling groups, etc. For example, while you may be able to foster a baby, there are far more older kids and sibling groups in need of a home.
You'll get information about trauma-informed approaches to care in fostering and how trauma affects kids.
The sad reality is that most foster youth have experienced some type of trauma. This can affect their feelings and result in certain behaviors. In your training courses, you learn how to manage these behaviors and support these children as best as you can.
Some agencies may have added requirements for parents, such as CPR and first aid training.
This is an excellent time to connect with other parents and grow your support network.
Parents must submit a lot of paperwork during the home study and training phase. For instance, you'll have to get a physical exam and a doctor's note to prove you're physically and mentally capable of caring for children. You also have to give them proof of income to show that your family is financially stable without relying on maintenance payments.
The sooner you finish this paperwork and check off everything on your "to-do" list, the sooner you'll get your first placement. Generally, it takes 90-120 days to complete the entire process.
Assessment and Home Study
You'll have to complete a certain number of hours of pre-service training. This can be done in person or online, and the sessions typically last four to ten weeks.
The number of hours you need to complete can vary by state. Foster parents must complete in-service training after getting their license, which we'll cover later.
During training, you'll learn more about common myths and discover how the foster system works. You'll discover valuable tidbits like the median age of foster children and your options for fostering certain ages, sibling groups, etc. For example, while you may be able to foster a baby, there are far more older kids and sibling groups in need of a home.
You'll get information about trauma-informed approaches to care in fostering and how trauma affects kids.
Sadly, most foster youth have experienced some trauma. This can affect their feelings and result in certain behaviors. In your training courses, you learn how to manage these behaviors and support these children as best as you can.
Some agencies may have added requirements for parents, such as CPR and first aid training.
This is an excellent time to connect with other parents and grow your support network.
Parents must submit a lot of paperwork during the home study and training phase. For instance, you'll have to get a physical exam and a doctor's note to prove you're physically and mentally capable of caring for children. You also have to give them proof of income to show that your family is financially stable without relying on maintenance payments.
The sooner you finish this paperwork and check off everything on your "to-do" list, the sooner you'll get your first placement. Generally, it takes 90-120 days to complete the entire process.
Licensing and Approval
After the home study, the licensing agent will write a report with recommendations. This report may contain information such as extra training you may need or changes you must make.
You'll get recommendations on children who might fit your home and family well.
At this point, they will submit the necessary paperwork to the agency so you can receive your license. Once you receive your foster parent license, you will receive calls for your first placement.
Licensing and Approval
After the home study, the licensing agent will write a report with recommendations. This report may contain information such as extra training you may need or changes you must make.
You'll get recommendations on children who might fit your home and family well.
At this point, they will submit the necessary paperwork to the agency so you can receive your license. Once you receive your foster parent license, you will receive calls for your first placement.
Before Placement
Getting your license isn't the end of the process. There's still plenty to do as a foster parent. While you receive many hours of pre-service training, you can always further your education.
Read stories from former foster children, look for support groups in your area, expand your network, and ask current foster families for advice.
Prepare your home for the child's arrival. While you can do some decorating, it might be fun to let them go shopping with you and pick out decorations for themselves.
Talk to your employer about your situation. Let them know you're awaiting a placement and what that might mean for your schedule. Many companies will work with you to give you more flexibility.
If you qualify for FMLA parental leave, you may want to do that.
Eventually, you'll get a call from your foster agency with information about a good placement opportunity. This is the moment you've been waiting for, but you might also feel nervous.
Take this time to ask general placement questions about the child. The more you know, the easier it becomes to decide if this is a good fit for your family. Remember, there is no pressure to agree and it's okay to say no.
Sometimes, you'll be able to meet with the child first during a pre-placement visit. However, this isn't always a guarantee. The first time you meet your foster child may be at the door.
Renewal of My Foster Parent License
Foster parents must renew their licenses if they want to continue working with their agency and accepting placements in the home.
Ongoing training ensures that parents are always up to date with the latest changes in the foster system and the best practices for raising a child. In-service training benefits both you and the kids in your care.
It doesn't take as long as the pre-service courses. Generally, it's around 10-12 hours a year for traditional and respite families. Therapeutic caregivers may need to complete 30 hours of training.
This may vary slightly depending on your state, county, tribal, or private agency.
Our Advice for Foster Parents
Fostering is a journey, and you'll meet challenges along the way, but you'll also get to experience some of the most rewarding moments of your life. It helps to keep an open mind, maintain a sense of humor, and take a deep breath from time to time!
These days, we're used to instant gratification. We can get our groceries brought to our cars or order an item online and have it delivered to our doorstep the same day. We're also constantly connected through our phones and devices.
As a result, many of us have forgotten what it was like to have to wait. Mastering patience is a skill that will always help you as a parent, especially if you foster.
As a foster parent, you may have to make last-minute changes or face delays. It can take time to hear back from your agency, and waiting for a placement may feel like it will take forever.
It's all part of the process. You're dealing with many different parties, including the foster agency, the court, the birth parents, etc. You should expect some scheduling conflicts or other delays.
Remember, each foster child is different. Some may not be happy in your home or want to interact with you or your kids. It's crucial to remember not to force anything.
These are children who have gone through trauma, and they often deal with it in different ways. That's why it's up to you and your family to practice patience and understanding.
Make sure you talk to your kids as well, if you have any. It can be tough for a child to adapt to these changes, and it helps to hear their side of the story, too.
Become a Foster Parent
The first step is to reach out to an agency and request information about fostering. After that, your agency will help you through the rest of the process so you can get your license.
Foster US Kids can provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision. We'll connect you to your local child-placing agency. All you have to do is to contact us and ask!