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Child Welfare

Foster Parenting: Qualifications and Steps

  • At least 21 years of age
  • Single, married, divorced, or widowed
  • Financially stable (able to meet own family’s needs)
  • Good physical, emotional and mental health
  • Adequate space in home for additional child
  • Pass state and federal criminal clearances
  • Attend 21 hours of pre-service training
  • Participate in home study process

Steps to Certification

  1. Attend an orientation meeting to learn more about the certification process.

  2. Complete pre-service training. (7 sessions)

  3. Submit application for certification. (Form will be handed out at first pre-service training session)

  4. Come to office for fingerprinting of all adult members of household.

  5. Provide documentation from a physician that all members of household are free of communicable disease. (Form will be handed out at first pre-service training session)

  6. Participate in the home study process. There will be up to 3 visits to your home by an agency worker-one of which will include a safety inspection of your home.

  7. Provide at least 5 references.

  8. Certification process is complete!