About the Process
Before placing a child in your home, federal and state law requires that your home be licensed by your chosen foster care agency. The process is slightly different in each state and according to the policies of a particular agency, but the process usually consists of the following steps:
1. Orientation
An application will be completed that includes information about your family members, family history and the reasons you want to be a parent. The orientation is an informal meeting for you to learn the process, ask questions and decide if foster parenting is right for your family. Agencies typically present this information in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. It is not their job to convince you to foster, but help those who feel called to foster achieve that goal.
2. Training
If you have decided foster care is right for your family, you will attend standardized Model Approaches to Partnership in Parenting (MAPP) or Parent Resource Information Development Education (PRIDE) training over the course of a few weeks or months – sometimes less. This training is designed to assist potential parents and the agency staff to mutually assess the competency areas needed for a successful foster care experience. These are nationally recognized programs that will enhance your life and your family. All parents are also required to attend CPR and First-Aid training.
3. Home Study
Your agency will schedule a time to meet with you and your family in your home to make sure your home passes basic fire and health inspections and provides a suitable environment for children in the foster care system. Most agencies will provide you with the requirements during orientation so that you have time to make any necessary changes or improvements.
4. Licensure/Approval/Certification
Agencies use different terms for this step, but this is the point and which your home and family becomes recognized as an official foster 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.
5. Placement
Once you are licensed you will begin to receive children into your home at your discretion. When you receive a call from your agency 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.
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