Foster Parent Requirements and Resources

Foster Parent Requirements

You are thinking about opening your home to foster children, but aren’t quite sure where to begin.  Here is a list of basic requirements for becoming a parent to a foster child.

1. 1. 1. Must be at least 21 years of age.
      2. Have a clean criminal record without a record of child abuse of any kind.
      3. Have a bedroom available for a child.
      4. Must have a consistent source of income that supports your expenses.
      5. Have a car with insurance and good driving record with the DMV.
      6. Must pass your state’s home safety check.
      7. Have time in your schedule to bring foster children to necessary appointments and court ordered visits.
      8. Foster children and teenagers must be supervised by the foster parent (or a court approved adult) anytime they are not in school or a supervised activity.
      9. Marital Status can married or single.
      10. Rent or own your apartment or house.
      11. Complete foster parent courses.

Foster Parent Resources

Below you will find links to helpful organization to guide you in your Foster Parent journey.

National Foster Parent Association –  https://nfpaonline.org/foster

USA Government Child Care – https://www.usa.gov/child-care

Child Welfare Gateway – https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/outofhome/foster-care/

Department of Social Services – http://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/Foster-Care

Children’s Aid – https://www.childrensaidnyc.org/programs/foster-care

Children’s Rights – https://www.childrensrights.org/newsroom/fact-sheets/foster-care/

Take a look at other ideas for helping foster families and foster children.

Looking to adopt instead? Check out these adoption resources. Read our heartwarming adoption stories here.