What's Next?
The process of becoming a foster or adoptive parent is straightforward and includes the following steps:

• Attend an orientation session
• Complete and return an application
• Submit to a criminal background check and fingerprinting
• Allow home visits and personal interviews
• Provide reference checks
• Pass a physical examination
• Pass home safety and cleanliness inspections
• Complete the Model Approach to Partnerships in Parenting  (MAPP) Training (36 hours for foster parents and 30 hours for adoptive parents)
• Work with staff to complete the licensure process
  

Criteria to become a foster or adoptive parent

• Must be at least 21 years of age
• Home must be inspected by the fire department
• Each family member must have a physical exam and a tuberculosis test
• Must have adequate bedroom space per child
• Must be willing to provide care for children of all ages based on departmental needs (foster care only)
• You must have identifi ed support services to assist with emergencies that occur with the children placed in your home, e.g., picking up a sick child from school or day care during business hours
• You must be willing to secure your swimming pool or trampoline
• Must have a land-line telephone
• Must permit a home consultation with a social worker
• Must undergo a criminal record check and be fi ngerprinted
• Must provide copies of marriage certifi cate if married, divorce decrees or death certifi cate for former spouse if previously married
• Must have suffi cient income to meet your needs
• Cannot be receiving government public assistance, e.g., food stamps, public housing, and TANF
• Capacity guidelines for YFS:
  • No more than 2 children under the age of 2
  • No more than 3 children under the age of 5
  • No more than 5 children under the age of 12
• You must be aware that any person with an extensive criminal history, including crimes against children, drugs, and any felony, can be screened out by the agency
• If you are a couple, both parties have to meet all criteria and complete the required training
• You must be employed, unless you receive retirement benefits or disability

Guardians or foster or adoptive parents DO NOT have to

• Own your home
• Have a savings account
• Be married
• Be a "stay-at-home" parent
• Be a high school or college graduate

• Foster and adoptive parents receive financial and adoption assistance to provide for the well-being and care of the child. A monthly stipend (at least $450 per month)is provided according to the age and needs of a child. The stipend received by a foster and adoptive parent is non-taxable and cannot be recorded as income
• Vendor payments are made directly to providers of preapproved medical services and psychological or remedial services for conditions due to the child's heredity or for pre-existing conditions
• Non-recurring Expenses - clothes, cribs, car seats, supplies the kids need
• Medicaid (child only)

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