What is foster parenting?
Foster parenting provides twenty-four hour temporary substitute care for children unable to remain in their own home, while offering services to families and children, in order to implement plans for permanent placement. Permanency goals may include reunification with family, placement with a relative or guardian, adoption, independence, or long-term care.

Foster homes serve to protect the child on a temporary basis in a nurturing and positively stimulating environment, to help the child cope with separation from the family, and to allow for all family members to address the issues which may have contributed to the child's removal from the home.

Foster parents are an integral part of a treatment team built around the child. The team consists of the child, the child's family, the agency caseworker, the foster family, the court system, and any service providers working with the family.

What is the first step in becoming a foster parent?
Contact your local Department of Human Services office to receive information about the next foster parent orientation session in your area.

What characteristics do agencies look for in prospective parents?
Some of the requirements for fostering include:

• Applicants must be age 18 or over. You do not have to be married to become a foster parent.
• As foster parent income alone is not sufficient to adequately provide for a child, applicants must have a regular source of income to provide for the family's own needs. Families receiving public assistance can be considered.
• Criminal history and abuse records will be checked for all people residing in the home over the age of 14. Certain previous legal infractions may result in license denial.
• The home must have adequate space for all members of the family and the foster child(ren). You do not have to own a home to be licensed. The home should be a safe, clean environment.
• All adults in a care-taking role in the home must be willing to attend the initial and annual training as required for licensure.
• Other characteristics/requirements will be discussed with you as you attend an orientation session.

What is a home study?
A home study is a part of the foster/adoption application process. It consists of gathering detailed information about all members of the family, their attitudes towards fostering, and checking of the home for safety and space requirements. Questions about fostering are usually answered throughout this process.

We are now eligible to adopt; will we get any child we seek?
Before a child is available for adoption, termination of parental rights of both biological parents must take place. The DHS caseworker and treatment team then considers foster families who may be interested in adopting that child.

A child is typically placed in your home in foster care for up to a year prior to a formal adoption. You can be licensed as a foster parent/adoptive parent with a specific child in mind to adopt. However, DHS workers are required to seek the best placement match between a child and family when considering into which family a child will be placed.

As a foster parent, can I work outside the home?
Yes. A regular source of income other than foster parent stipends is required to assure that family members are provided for adequately. One foster parent must be available at all times in case of emergency, just as would be expected with a biological child. Day care arrangements for foster children can be made through DHS if day care is needed.

Can I choose the age of the foster child?
Yes. Be aware, however, that there are many children needing out of home care and that through experience and training, you may find that you are more effective in caring for a specific age group or range of ages.

What are special needs?
Special needs may include emotional problems such as depression, anxiety, attachment issues, or anger management issues. Special needs may also include medical concerns such as HIV, premature birth issues, effects of prenatal drug use, developmental disabilities, or other physical handicaps. The treatment team will work closely with the foster family to ensure that special needs issues are addressed with the family.

What about medical insurance for foster children?
Foster children receive Medicaid cards, which cover medical, dental and counseling services.

How long will foster children remain in my home?
Foster care is a temporary situation. The length of stay depends on the family case plan. The goal is to seek a permanent placement for the child as quickly as possible, whether it is reunification with the birth parents, kinship care or adoption.

Can I take the foster child on vacation with me?
Yes, with the permission of the child's social worker and their legal guardian. DHS will have custody of the child. Guardianship normally remains with the biological parents, but DHS or the guardian ad/litem could be assigned legal guardianship. Permission is required from the assigned guardian for travel, medical services, and other activities, such as those offered through their school activities. Consent forms for these activities should be provided to you when the child is placed.