What is foster care?
Foster care is the placement of children and youth with families outside of their own home
due to child abuse or neglect until family reunification or a permanent placement is
accomplished. The goal is to provide a safe, stable, nurturing environment.
What is a foster parent?
A foster parent is a person who cares for children/youth who are not in their custody, children
and youth who have entered the foster care system. Foster parents care about children
and are willing and able to provide care and nurturing for the duration of the child's stay
in foster care. Foster parents are asked to complete and application, submit to home
assessments and attend training. Foster families must demonstrate financial and emotional
stability, responsibility and a willingness to work closely with the agency that supervises their
home.
Will I be able to specify the age and sex of the child I want to care for?
Yes. Families for children and youth between the ages of 11 and 16, sibling groups and teen moms are
currently the greatest need.
How long does a child stay in the foster home?
Depending on the circumstances, a child may be placed in a foster home for one day or for several
months. Placement is for as long as it takes to achieve a permanent placement for the child, whether
the plan be for reunification with the child's family, placement with relatives, or adoption.
Who pays for doctor visits?
Medicaid covers the cost of medical, dental
and counseling services for children and youth in care.
Can I adopt a foster child in my home?
The goal is to reunify a child with his/her family.
In the event that the child cannot return home or be placed with other relatives, foster
parents may be considered as adoptive parents.
Do I have to own my home?
No, however you do have to have space for a foster child, according to the requirement of your state.
Is financial assistance available?
Foster parents receive a monthly reimbursement that helps cover the cost of food, clothing and other
basic needs of children and youth in care.
What type of support do foster parents receive?
Each family or child is assigned a case manager who is responsible for providing support to the foster family.
Supportive services (respite care, training, crisis lines, etc.) are provided by the licensing agency. Support
is also available through state and local associations.
What are the requirements for becoming a foster parent?
Although foster care regulations vary from state to state, there are some universal requirements:
• Age 21 or older
• Criminal background check
• Family stability
• Character references
• Regular source of income
• Home safety inspection/BR>
• Family home study/assessment
How do I get started?
You are encouraged to attend a foster parent orientation session. There are a number of ways to get information
about orientation schedules:
1. Contact your state foster parent association
2. Contact your local department of children and family services (county pages of the phone book)
3. Visit the state foster parent association or state/countyweb site
*Should you decide that you do not have sufficient room in your home or that you are unable to provide full time care for another child in your home, we encourage you to explore alternative ways to support foster care.
