Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area

Because there aren't enough foster parents in the District of Columbia, many foster kids end up living in nearby Maryland. However, D.C. has its own minimum requirements for licensing foster parents. Parents for District foster children need must:

• Be at least 21 years old
• Prove financial resources to support a child
• Rent or own a home
• Show you are healthy enough to care for a child
• Provide enough space in the house for each foster child
• Complete 30 hours of training
• Pass a Home Study

There is no minimum parenting experience required. Foster parents in the District of Columbia can be single or married, with or without biological children at home. In fact, licensed homes are often a mix of biological and foster or adopted children.

You can work outside the home or be a stay-at-home parent. To help offset the costs of childcare, foster families receive assistance for every foster child in the home.