Foster Care and Becoming a Foster Parent
Foster care is a system where children are placed in temporary homes when they cannot stay safely in their own homes. Foster parents provide a nurturing environment to meet the children’s emotional, physical, and social needs, while the state works to resolve issues in the child's biological family. The goal is to reunite the child with their family whenever possible. If reunification isn't an option, foster parents may have the opportunity to adopt.
A foster parent is someone who provides temporary care, love, and support to children in need. They nurture children to help them reach their potential, whether they are eventually reunited with their birth family or adopted. Foster parents are expected to have empathy, patience, and an understanding of the trauma children in care may have experienced. While fostering can be challenging, many parents find it deeply rewarding.
To become a foster parent, certain criteria and steps are required:
- Experience: Experience caring for children or adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities is preferred.
- Home Visits and Interviews: At least one interview in your home, plus additional visits for couples.
- Documentation: Complete forms and submit necessary verifications, including background checks, health records, references, and more.
- Income and Employment: Proof of stable income and employment is necessary.
- Background Checks: Applicants must undergo criminal background checks, including fingerprinting, police record checks, and clearance from child abuse registries.
- Health and Safety: Ensure your home meets safety standards, including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers.
All potential foster parents must pass the following background checks:
- Fingerprints
- Local police records check
- National Sexual Offender Registry clearance
- Child Abuse Registry clearance
- Department of Children’s Services (DCS) records check
Applicants with felony convictions related to child abuse, spousal abuse, or violent crimes will not be approved. Additionally, applicants with felony convictions for physical assault, battery, or drug/alcohol-related offenses within the last five years will not be approved.
TN-KEY is a training program for prospective foster parents that includes a series of modules. These modules cover topics such as navigating the child welfare system, understanding trauma, and learning about medical resources. Participants must complete all 8 modules within 60 days and submit roadwork assignments. Foster parents must also attend CPR and First Aid training, which is renewed every two years.
- Annual Training: All foster homes must complete a minimum of 15 hours of continuous education each year.
- Biennial Reassessment: Every two years, approved foster homes undergo a reassessment that includes reviewing policies, financial records, medical self-reports, and home safety.
The process can take several months, including completing training, submitting necessary documentation, undergoing home visits and background checks, and fulfilling other requirements. The exact timeline depends on the individual circumstances and how quickly the required steps are completed.
To begin the process, fill out the form, and a staff member will contact you to discuss the next steps.