Application Process
We are so pleased that you have an interest in opening your heart and home to children in need. While the process for becoming a foster or adoptive parent can seem daunting, we work side-by-side with applicants to make it as straightforward as possible.
Here are the steps to complete the application process:
1. Attend an information meeting
We encourage you to attend an optional free Information Night to learn more about the program. Visit our Information Nights page for more information.
2. Attend a pre-service training series.
Prospective foster and adoptive families are required to attend 27 hours of free pre-service training provided by the Collaborative Foster Care Program. Pre-service training takes place one night per week from 6-9 p.m. for eight weeks. Learn more about the Required Training, including pre-service training schedule and topics.
3. Submit a completed application and all required forms
Prospective families will submit the following as part of the pre-service training curriculum:
- Application to Care for Children
- Signed Program Agreement
- Affidavit of US Citizenship
- Copies of drivers' licenses for all persons transporting children
- Proof of auto insurance for all vehicles used for transporting children
- Family photograph
- SAFE Home Study Questionnaire I
- Health evaluations for all household members
- Fingerprint cards for CBI and FBI background checks for adults (ages 18+) in the household
- Financial statement and copies of recent tax return
- Proof of vaccinations of household pets
4. Become First Aid and CPR-Certified
Each prospective foster parent must submit copies of current pediatric CPR/ First Aid certificates for the ages of children they plan to serve. These courses are offered through outside agencies, and must be completed in addition to the 24 hours of pre-service training.
5. Complete a home study
All prospective families must participate in the Structured Analysis Family Evaluation (SAFE) home study. This process requires completing questionnaires and interviews with each household member individually and jointly.
A SAFE home study is an overall assessment of the physical and emotional environment of the home and the family. It is a comprehensive description of you, your family, your family culture, favorite family activities, parenting strengths, and much more. In addition, it offers the opportunity to identify preferred age range, gender and level of special needs of children placed in your care.
The home study interviewing process will focus on your family's strengths and challenges regarding:
- Motivation for Fostering/Adopting
- Potential for Abuse
- Ability to Parent Children with Special Needs
- Beliefs and Feelings Regarding Caring for Children of Various Ethnic, Cultural, or Religious Backgrounds
- Ability to Work with the Department and Other Professionals
- History of Applicants
- Partner Relationship
- Parenting
- Discipline Methods
- Finances
- Childcare Plans
6. Undergo evaluation by the Certification Review Team
Upon completion of the home study and review of all completed application materials, the Collaborative Foster Care Program's Certification Review Team evaluates applicants for strengths and/or concerns, and makes a determination to approve or deny the family.
- If approved, your family will become eligible for one or more children to be placed in the home.
- If denied, the applicant will receive written notification and instructions for submitting an appeal, if desired.
7. Become eligible for a child's placement in the home
Once you are an approved foster family, you will need to:
- Complete a policy orientation
- Pass a formal home inspection
- Sign a facility agreement to become a certified foster care facility
Once you are an approved adoptive family, you can expect to:
- Wait patiently to be matched with a child(ren)
- Continue to communicate with your adoption worker about our waiting kids.
For more information about becoming a foster or adoptive parent:
- Learn about the Training Requirements to foster or Adopt
- Attend an Information Night
