A practical guide to preparing for foster parenting, from licensing requirements and training to home setup, school enrollment, and building a support network for you and the children in your care.
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Licensing Requirements
Contact your county or state child welfare agency to request a foster care application
Each state has different requirements and terminology. Search for your state's Department of Children and Family Services or equivalent agency. The initial inquiry call usually takes 15-20 minutes and covers basic eligibility.
Verify you meet basic eligibility: age 21+, stable income, and adequate space
Most states require applicants to be at least 21 years old with no felony convictions. You do not need to own a home or be married. Each child needs their own bed, and children over age 2 of opposite genders typically need separate rooms.
Submit fingerprints and pass criminal background checks for all household members 18+
Background checks include FBI, state criminal, sex offender registry, and child abuse/neglect clearances. Processing takes 2-8 weeks. Some misdemeanors are evaluated case by case while certain felonies are automatic disqualifiers.
Obtain medical clearance letters for all household members
Your doctor provides a statement confirming you are physically and mentally capable of caring for children. Most agencies require a standard physical exam, TB test, and a brief mental health screening. Expect $100-250 in costs if not covered by insurance.
Provide 4-6 personal references (mix of family, friends, and community members)
Choose people who have seen you interact with children and can speak to your patience, stability, and character. References are contacted by phone or mail and asked specific questions about your fitness as a caregiver.
Required Training
Complete pre-service foster parent training (20-30+ hours depending on state)
Training covers child development, trauma-informed parenting, attachment, cultural sensitivity, and the legal framework of foster care. Classes run over 6-12 weeks, with evening and weekend options usually available.
Complete CPR and first aid certification
Most states require infant/child CPR certification before licensure. Classes are available through community centers and hospitals for $25-50 and take 4-6 hours. Certification must be renewed every 2 years.
Take additional training on trauma, behavioral challenges, and de-escalation
Many children in foster care have experienced abuse, neglect, or multiple placements. Training on trauma responses helps you understand behaviors like hoarding food, night terrors, or extreme withdrawal as survival mechanisms rather than defiance.
Understand mandatory reporter obligations and documentation requirements
As a foster parent, you are a mandatory reporter and must document incidents, medications, appointments, and visits. Most agencies provide templates. Keeping a daily log takes 5-10 minutes and protects both you and the child.
Home Inspection and Setup
Install smoke detectors in every bedroom, hallway, and the kitchen
Detectors must be hardwired or have fresh batteries. Carbon monoxide detectors are also required on every floor in most states. Test all detectors monthly and document the dates for your licensing file.
Secure all medications, cleaning products, and sharp objects in locked storage
Locks must be on medicine cabinets, under-sink cleaning supplies, tool storage, and any firearms (in a separate locked safe with ammunition stored separately). The home inspector checks every room, garage, and outbuilding.
Prepare a bedroom with a proper bed, dresser, and personal storage for each child
Each child needs their own bed (not a crib for kids over 2), at least 3 dresser drawers, and closet space. Having the room set up with bedding, a nightlight, and a few age-appropriate books makes the first night less stressful for the child.
Post emergency numbers, fire escape plan, and house rules in visible locations
The fire escape plan should show two exits from each room and a meeting point outside. Post the caseworker's number, poison control (1-800-222-1222), and your after-hours emergency contact on the refrigerator or a hallway bulletin board.
Deciding Your Placement Preferences
Determine the age range you are willing and prepared to accept
Infants require different skills and schedules than teenagers. Consider your work schedule, other children in the home, and your experience. You can start with a narrower range and expand it after gaining confidence with your first placement.
Discuss sibling group acceptance with your household
About 65% of children in foster care have siblings also in care. Keeping siblings together reduces trauma. Consider whether you can take 2-3 children from the same family, which is one of the greatest needs in foster care.
Consider your capacity for children with medical, behavioral, or developmental needs
Many children in foster care have needs beyond what is typical for their age. Specialized foster homes receive higher monthly stipends ($1,200-2,500 vs. $500-1,000 for standard placements) and additional support services.
School Enrollment and Education
Learn your state's immediate enrollment laws for foster children
Federal law requires schools to enroll foster children immediately, even without typical documentation like proof of address, immunization records, or school transcripts. The school must request records from the previous school within one day.
Identify the educational liaison at your local school district
Every school district must have a foster care point of contact under federal law. This person helps with enrollment, transportation, and ensuring the child receives services like tutoring or counseling. Get their direct phone number before your first placement.
Understand the child's right to remain in their school of origin
Foster children can stay at their previous school if it is in their best interest, even if your home is in a different district. Transportation must be provided. This stability matters since foster children change schools an average of 1-2 times per year.
Building Your Support System
Join a local foster parent support group or online community
Support groups provide emotional support and practical advice from experienced foster parents. Your licensing agency can connect you with local groups. Online communities are available 24/7 for those middle-of-the-night questions.
Identify 2-3 respite care providers for when you need a break
Respite care is temporary care by another licensed foster parent, typically for a weekend. Most states allow 14-30 days of respite care per year. Having pre-approved respite providers prevents burnout and keeps placements stable.
Set up a relationship with a family therapist experienced in foster care
Many placements include therapy as part of the child's case plan. Having your own therapist helps you process the emotional challenges of foster parenting, including grief when a child reunifies with their biological family.
Talk with your employer about potential schedule flexibility needs
Foster children have frequent appointments: court hearings, caseworker visits, therapy, and family visitation. Expect 2-4 appointments per week initially. Some employers offer foster parent leave or flexible scheduling arrangements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a licensed foster parent?
The licensing process typically takes 3-6 months from your first inquiry call to receiving your license. This includes 20-30 hours of pre-service training (often called PRIDE or MAPP), a home study with 2-4 interviews, background checks (FBI and state), home safety inspection, medical clearances, and reference checks. Some states offer concurrent processing to speed things up, while others handle each step sequentially.
Do foster parents get paid, and how much?
Foster parents receive a monthly stipend to cover the child's expenses, not as income. Rates vary by state and the child's age and needs: basic rates range from $400-$900/month for younger children and $500-$1,200/month for teens. Therapeutic or medically complex placements pay $1,200-$2,500/month. The stipend covers food, clothing, personal care items, and a portion of housing costs. It is not taxable income.
Can you foster if you rent your home or live in an apartment?
Yes. Homeownership is not required in any state. You need a stable housing situation with adequate space — most states require each foster child to have their own bed in a room with no more than 2-3 children, and opposite-sex children over age 5 typically need separate rooms. Renters must provide landlord permission for foster placement. The home must pass a fire safety inspection and meet basic maintenance standards.
What percentage of foster children are eventually adopted by their foster parents?
About 50-55% of children adopted from foster care are adopted by their foster families. In 2022, roughly 54,000 children were adopted from foster care in the US. The goal of foster care is always reunification with the birth family first — about 47% of children are reunified. When parental rights are terminated (usually after 15-22 months of the case plan), foster parents are often given first priority to adopt.
What kind of support do foster families receive?
Support varies by agency but typically includes a dedicated caseworker (visits monthly), 24/7 crisis support hotlines, respite care (a temporary substitute caregiver for short breaks, usually 48-72 hours per quarter), ongoing training opportunities, support groups with other foster families, and Medicaid coverage for the child's medical and mental health needs. Many agencies also provide clothing vouchers and school supply stipends at the start of each school year.