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1. What is foster parenting?

Foster parenting is accepting a child into your care who might have been abused or neglected or who might need a temporary home. The foster parent is a temporary caregiver for a child whose goal is to return home or to be placed with a relative. A foster parent works with a team of people (the social worker, therapist, teachers, and the child's family, to name a few) to assist this child. Being a foster parent is both rewarding and challenging.

2. Who can be a foster parent?

• Married or single


• 18 years of age or older


• Have enough income to meet their own expenses


• Able to provide a safe, healthy home with enough space for a child


• Willing to be a part of a team with the agency, child's family, schools, and others


• Willing to attend pre-service training and ongoing training


• No history of involvement with Social Services


• No criminal record


• Have a working telephone and transportation and be willing to take child to appointment

3. How do I become a foster parent?

1. Attend an Orientation session to learn more about the certification process.


2. Complete Pre-Service Training (PRIDE) = (4-6 weeks / 5:30pm-8:30pm weeknights and 9am-3pm weekends)


3. Submit application for dual certification. The application will be handed out during the PRIDE training. Turn in as soon as possible to start the Mutual Family Assessment.


4. Start the Mutual Family Assessment process. The first visit will be in the HRSSD office. The next 2-3 are in your home. One will include a safety inspection of your home.


5. Complete fingerprinting for all adult members 18 and over in the household. Complete Child Protective Services checks for all family members over 18 years old.


6. Compete a TB test and provide documentation of the test results and a physician’s statement.


7. Complete DMV checks.


8. Provide at least 3 non-relative references


9. Foster Care Committee meets to review the Mutual Family Assessment and make approval decisions. 


10. Certification Process is completed!

4. What are the rewards of foster parenting?

• Being able to experience the joy and importance of providing a stable and caring environment for a child


• Helping a child feel safe and secure


• Helping a child's self-esteem


• Becoming part of a professional team whose goal is to provide support and care to vulnerable children

5. What are the challenges of foster parenting?

• Knowing that being a foster parent is temporary and that saying good-bye is not always easy


• Working with birth parents toward returning the child home
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• Helping recruit other families willing to foster children


• Knowing that your life and your family's life might need to be rearranged to accommodate the needs of the foster child


• Realizing that being a foster parent is a big step for you and your family

6. What is the approval process to become a foster parent?

Each applicant must:

• Complete PRIDE training


• Complete FBI and Child Protective Services checks


• Provide current TB tests and Physical Evaluation


• Provide three non-relative references


• Complete a home study