Datz Foundation

Understanding the licensing requirements is the first step, as they vary by state. In Maryland, potential foster parents must meet the following criteria:

• 21 years of age or older
• Live in a safe home, either a house or an apartment
• Undergo a criminal background check and fingerprinting
• Remain financially stable
• Able to support a child financially
• Undergo a medical examination
• Attend a medical reexamination every two years
• Provide three references
• Attend necessary parent training/education courses
• A minimum of two home visits by an approval worker
• Child support clearance
• No use of physical punishment allowed
• Receive a fire inspection and health clearance from local departments

The foster care agency you work with will help you to meet these qualifications. They answer your questions, provide parent education training, conduct home visits, and more. As such, they'll be your first point of contact as you prepare for your first placement.

Remember that it will take time to go through the approval process. The home study takes the longest, consisting of lots of paperwork, interviews, inspections, etc. However, you'll be a licensed foster parent in Maryland when it's over.