Steps To Take To Become A Foster Parent
Becoming a foster parent is a wonderful way to make a difference in the life of a child who has been removed from his or her home. Most foster parents find the experience to be very rewarding. However, becoming a foster parent is not a quick or easy process. Continue reading to learn more about the steps you will need to take to become a foster parent:
Background Check
State governments want to be sure that children are being placed with capable foster parents, so they conduct thorough background checks. When you apply to become a foster parent, you will need to provide your personal information and give the state permission to conduct a background check.
Interview
After you pass a background check, you will go through an extensive interviewing process. The social worker working on your case will ask you a number of in-depth and personal questions to allow him or her to determine if you are fit to care for a child who may have experienced trauma in his or her life. It is very important to be completely honest and open when answering the questions during your interview.
Home Inspection
In addition to an interview, you will also need to have a home inspection done prior to being approved as a foster parent. During your home inspection, the social worker will come to your home to inspect it and ensure that there is enough space for a foster child, and to also make sure that there are no hazards in your home.
Proof That You Are Medically Qualified
The state looks for foster parents who are healthy enough to care for a foster child. When going through the process to become a foster parent, you will need to submit forms that are signed by a physician, physician assistant, or a nurse practitioner, which say that you are in good health.
Training
If all goes well during your application process, you will become approved to be a foster parent and will need to undergo training. Even if you are already a parent and have raised your own children, you will still need to complete a training course before a foster child can be placed in your home. In many states, the training consists of a combination of online training that can be done at home and in-class training where you will work with an instructor.
To learn more, talk to companies like Kids Count Too.