How The Process Works

Before placing a child in your home, federal and state law requires that Department of Family and Children’s Services license your home. From beginning to end, we will be at your side to answer questions and equip you for the wonderful journey of foster care. There are only 6 simple steps on the pathway to becoming a foster-adoptive /resource parent:

1.  Applications and Orientation

  An application (see attachments below to become a foster parent) will be completed that includes information about your family members, family history and the reasons you want to be a parent. You can acquire this application and other information on our contact page. The orientation is an informal meeting for you to learn the process, ask questions and decide if foster parenting is right for your family.

2. Training

   If you have decided foster care is right for your family, you will attend 27 hours of PRIDE training. (PRIDE schedule)  This is a nationally renowned program that will enhance your life and your family. PRIDE All parents are required to attend CPR and First-Aid training

3. At-Home Consultation

  Our licensing unit will schedule a time to meet with you and your family in your home. We will make sure your home passes basic fire and health inspections and provides a suitable environment for children in the foster care system. You will be informed of all the requirements during training.

4. Complete and Pass Criminal Background check

5. Licensure

 You are officially approved to accept foster children into your home. At this stage you will make a decision about the number, ages, and behaviors of the children that you feel you can successfully accept into your family.

6. Placement

 Once you are licensed you will begin to receive children into your home at your discretion. When you receive a call from our placement support unit and discuss a particular child, you will have an opportunity to review their history and ask questions. You are under no obligation to take a child you do not believe is right for your family.

• Child Abuse Central Index Check for County Licensed Facilities LIC198 (2/01)
• Primary Language Designation Form - Spanish SCZ225-SP
• Foster Family Home Application LIC283 (1/03)
• Out-of-State Disclosure & Criminal Record Statement LIC508D (12/07)
• Primary Language Designation Form SCZ225
• Adam Walsh Child Safety & Protection Act of 2006
• Applicant Information LIC215 (7/04)
• Personal References Request
• Foster Home Licensing Application Supplement SC1245 (6/96)
• The Personal Rights of Foster Children SC43 (12/92)
• Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Suspected Child Abuse SC1520 (5/07)
• Emergency Plan for Foster Family Homes LIC610B (6/02)
• Facility Sketch Floorplan LIC999 (3/99)
• Health Screening Report - Facility Personnel LIC503 (3/99)