How to start the Fostering Process

Step 1
Search the web for information about the department of child services and foster parenting in your county or state.

Step 2
Check out local fostering agencies, many help you through the process and have more time to talk to you and help you than a state social worker does.

Step 3
Most states require training, mine was 24 hours of training (8 weeks, 3 hours a day, once a week). While in the process of training you are usually required to finish the other things mentioned below.

Step 4
Get finger printed! Ours had to be through LiveScan agencies in San Diego. This just does a background check to make sure you're not a criminal and haven't been convicted of anything major like child abuse, bank robbery, etc.

Step 5
Take a CPR and First Aid class. Even if your state doesn't require it, it's a good thing to do! You can even complete the classes online in as little as an hour (see website below).

Step 6
In some states you have to take a Psychological test. It's not hard, just basic questions that figure out how you think. It will show things like if you think about stealing stuff or hurting people or yourself. The "correct" answers should be pretty obvious. I'm sure most states will also require a test comparable to the California test.

Step 7
You will also have a home inspection where you will need basic things.
1. a bedroom for the child/children
2. a light
3. a window in their room
4. a dresser
5. a bed or crib depending on the age you plan to foster
6. cleaning supplies in a locked cabinet
7. guns stored a specific way depending on your state regulations
8. medications in a locked cabinet
9. your water temperature should not go above 110-120 degrees (varies by state)
10. emergency plan
11. fire drill log
12. emergency contacts posted
13. electrical socket covers are usually recommended but not always required

Step 8
Once you're done with your classes, fingerprints, and everything else your state requires, you're ready! Now you just wait for your child to be placed with you! Some get a child the day their class is done (or in our class a couple got twins a week before the class was over) or some may have to wait a few weeks! Either way, you're helping a life of a child.

Step 9
If you ever decide you are willing to adopt the child, even if their biological parents or guardians rights have not been terminated yet, be sure to let the child's social worker know! Once you have had a child in your home for six months or longer, that child's best interest is to stay and be adopted by you if their parent or guardian does not get custody back and the state will recognize that if you tell them you are interested.

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Up to the challenge?
Become a KidsPeace foster parent Give a child a chance
www.kidspeace.org/foster.aspx


Foster Care
Social Service classes available online from Phoenix University.
www.University-Phoenix-Info.com


Tips & Warnings
get used children/baby clothes from friends when their children grow out of them just to have a nice stock of clothes in different sizes. Some times you might get a child with nothing but a dirty diaper and you'll want to have something to take them clothes shopping in.be patient!Many children come with issues of their own (abuse or neglect) and they won't always be "perfect" so if you're trying to play house, this isn't the way to do it.You will get attached to the children and you have to remember there's always a possibility that they will go back to their parents.you will love these children so much as if they were your own, so don't be surprised when you get attached!