General Requirements General Requirements

Each state has different rules, regulations and procedures or guidelines to follow. Most states require that the foster parents be licensed by the state, others simply approve the home for placement of children.

Basic requirements usually include:

• completion of an application for family home license
• background check, criminal history check and finger printing of each adult member of the household
• family stability
• home inspection and personal interview
• character references
• minimum age of applicant: 21
• prior to licensure/certification pre-service training

Foster parents receive a partial reimbursement of costs incurred for each child in your care. Download information about foster care payment rates from the Casey National Center for Resource Family Support

Getting Started:
Foster Parenting Through your State Agency

If you decide you are interested in becoming a foster or adoptive parent, please contact your state's foster care specialist. They will be more than happy to discuss with you the process of training and approval of your home.

Getting Started:
Become a Foster Parent Through a Private Agency

In most States, there are private agencies also providing adoptive and foster care services. These agencies could use your help as well. To find out about these agencies, contact your state's licensing specialist address and phone. The specialist can provide you with a list of agencies licensed to provide foster care or adoptive services in your state.

FosterClub is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
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