AdoptUSKids For Families

How to Foster

 

The steps to becoming a foster parent are very similar to those as adopting, and involve many of the same seven steps. The first step is deciding you want to foster and contacting a foster care agency. It usually takes about a year from the time you first contact an agency to the time when a child is placed with you. This estimate can vary depending on the agency you’re working with and the State where you live.

Learn more about the steps to becoming a foster parent below, including a video overview of what each step is about. If you already have a relationship with a child you you’re looking to foster (such as having been their teacher, coach, pastor, neighbor, etc.) the order of the following steps may be altered.

For more information about becoming a foster parent, contact us.

Seven Steps to Adoption
and Foster Care

The video is an excerpt from our film The Road to Adoption and Foster Care. You can also watch the entire film (Flash – 2:00 hr.).

Deciding to Pursue Fostering

Deciding to pursue becoming a foster parent is the first step and where you will contact a local agency and attend an orientation meeting.

Applying to Foster

Applying to become a foster parent is the second step and where you’ll complete required training and your application to foster.

Completing a Foster Home Study

Completing a home study is the third step and where your caseworker meets with you in your home to determine if you’re ready to become a foster parent.

Getting Approved to Foster

Getting approved to provide foster care is the fourth step where background checks are done and your home study is completed.

Receiving a Foster Placement

This is the fifth step and final step in becoming a foster parent, and where a child or sibling group is temporarily placed with you.

Being a Foster Parent

Being a foster parent is a rewarding experience, whether the place is for several days or several months. Just remember you’re never alone and there is a wealth of resources to help you along the way.

Get Social

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