Basic Requirements for Foster/Adoptive Families:

The prospective foster/adoptive parents may be single or married and must

• be at least 21 years of age, financially stable, and responsible, mature adults;
• complete an application (staff assistance is available);
• share information regarding their background and lifestyle;
• provide relative and non-relative references;
• show proof of marriage and/or divorce;
• agree to a home study which includes visits with all household members;
• allow staff to complete a criminal history background check and an abuse/neglect check on all household members 14 years of age and older;
• and attend free training to learn about issues of abused and neglected children.  This training provides an opportunity for the family and PRS to assess whether foster care or adoption is best for the family.  The family may withdraw from the meetings at any time. Foster/adoptive parents generally train together.

Some Additional Foster Care Requirements:

In addition to the basic requirements, foster parents must

• have adequate sleeping space;
• not provide foster care or day care for more than six children in your home;
• agree to a non-physical discipline policy;
• permit fire, health and safety inspections of the home;
• vaccinate all pets;
• obtain and maintain CPR/First Aid Certification;
• obtain TB testing as required by the local health department for household members; and
• attend 20 hours or more of training each year.

Responsibilities of Foster Parents:

• provide daily care and nurturing of children in foster care.
• advocate for children in their schools and communities.
• inform the children’s caseworkers about adjustments to the home, school and community, as well as any problems that may arise, including any serious illness, accidents or serious occurrences involving the foster children or their own families.
• make efforts as team members with the children’s caseworkers towards reunifying children with their birth families.
• provide a positive role model to birth families.
• help children learn life skills.

Foster Care Reimbursements:

The monthly reimbursement is provided to foster families for child-care-related costs, such as food, clothing, recreation, transportation and housing.  In extraordinary circumstances, special rates may be reimbursed to foster families that care for children with exceptional needs.

Responsibilities of Adoptive Parents:

• provide permanent homes and a lifelong commitment to children into adulthood.
• provide for the short-term and long-term needs of children.
• provide for children’s emotional, mental, physical, social, educational and cultural needs, according to each child’s developmental age and growth.
• may become certified as a foster family and accept children who are not legally free for adoption but whose permanency plan is adoption.

Adoption Assistance:

Adoption assistance is available to families that adopt children with special needs.  Adoption assistance must be applied for and the adoption assistance agreement negotiated and entered before the adoption is consummated. Otherwise, the child may not qualify for assistance.

Adoption assistance provides the child with Medicaid coverage and often a monthly monetary payment.  The payment may be used to buy the child goods and services not covered by the Medicaid program.  If the adoptive family needs help with the costs of the child’s food, clothing, shelter and child care, the payment can include funds for that purpose.  The amount of assistance a child receives is based upon the child’s needs, the family’s circumstances and other available resources, such as public education and community-based services.

The non-recurring adoption expenses program reimburses families for adoption-related costs such as travel required to complete the adoptive placement process, court costs and attorney fees.  The adoptive family must submit receipts showing they have paid these expenses.  Upon consummation of the adoption by the court, PRS will reimburse the family for all allowable expenditures not to exceed $1,500 per adoption.  Tax credits are also available families that adopt special-needs children.

Becoming a Foster or Adoptive Family

Step 1: Attend Informational Meeting

You will need to attend an informational meeting in your area where you can discuss the scope and requirements of being a foster or adoptive parent.  You will get basic information, and questions are welcome. 

Step 2: Select an Agency

Review the information about child placing agencies.  Call the agencies and/or other foster families and get as much information as you need to select your agency – the one with which you will complete the certification process.  Complete and return the agency selection form, the release form and the inquiry questionnaire.

Step 3: Complete Training

You will attend pre-service training to learn more about the children available and to assess your strengths in parenting abused and neglected children.  The classes boost your knowledge and confidence to meet the challenge of taking children into your home and to be sure you are ready to follow through on the commitment.

Step 4: Family and Background Study

Background checks will be completed.  A caseworker will visit you in your home.  The purpose is to discuss your personal history, family interests and lifestyle, child-care experiences, the types of children you feel would best fit in your home, and your strengths and skills in meeting the children’s needs.