Foster Care Requirements
I copied this list From Adopting.org because the link to the National Foster Parent Association was not working.
Requirements to become a foster parent vary from state to state, but this list from the National Foster Parent Association covers the basics. Be sure to check with the Foster Care Specialist (or equivalent) in your state or province for detailed information.
- Be at least 21 years old.
- Have enough room (and beds) in your home for a foster child to sleep and keep his or her belongings.
- Live in a home that can meet basic fire, safety and sanitary standards.
- Be physically and emotionally capable of caring for children and have no alcohol or drug abuse problems.
- Be able to pass a criminal background check and have no substantiated record of abusing or neglecting children.
- Make enough money to provide for your own family, so you do not need to depend on the foster care reimbursement you receive from the state as income.
Pre-placement training is required to help prepare prospective parents for issues that can arise after a child or sibling group is placed with them. Many children bring not only unique special needs, but a history of life experiences that may affect interactions with foster parents, other children in the family, school mates, and others. Issues related to disability, culture, early abuse, birth family members, etc., should be discussed with your social worker to your satisfaction.
These programs go by various names (MAPP and others) and online training programs are also available. Your foster care specialist can provide more information, and check the Resources Page for more information.
Tags: foster parent requirements, how to be a foster parentRelated Stories
POSTED IN: Countries and Domestic, Foster Care
1 opinion for Foster Care Requirements
Kimberly
Nov 5, 2008 at 11:28 am
You should keep up with sibbling even after they have been adopted out of the foster system.
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