Steps to Becoming a Foster Parent:
Steps to Becoming a Foster Parent:
- First either request a packet of info along with our Preliminary Application and return it by mail or download the preliminary application and submit it one of three ways; mail, scanned and email, or fax. (Detailed directions are provided with each application)
- Allow a social worker to conduct a series of family interviews to learn more about your family and its history
- Agree for each member of your household over the age of 18 to be fingerprinted and have a criminal background check
- Complete a 30-hour training process called, "MAPP/GPS" (Model Approach to Partnership in Parenting/Group Preparation and Selection)
- Winter 2020 MAPP Class
- After training is completed, your home must pass a fire safety inspection, and all family members must complete physical examinations. (These tasks must be completed within 90 days prior to licensing).
First Aid and CPR certification must be completed before any placement of children can occur. All required certifications and trainings must be kept current while licensed. Qualifications:
- You may be married or single
- You must be 21 years or older
- Have a high school diploma or show the ability to read
- A source of stable income is required
- You must pass a criminal background check
- You must provide excellent references
- You must not have a negative history with a child welfare agency
- You must not live with anyone who has been convicted of a felony
- You must have a working telephone
- Must provide each child their own bed
FOSTER PARENT CREED
A hundred years from now,
it will not matter
what my bank account was,
the kind of house I lived in,
or the kind of car I drove.
But the world may be different
because I was important in
the life of a child. To learn more about
becoming a foster parent,
contact the Henderson County
Department of Social Services
(828) 694-6252.
Or click here to email us
