STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

STEP 1:  ORIENTATION

Where you will get the basic information about foster care and know the steps and requirements needed to start the program. You will begin an application packet to complete with all necessary forms needed for completion.

STEP 2:  TRAINING

After the orientation you will need to complete 20 hours of pre-approval training. Topics are covered including but not limited to: understanding the foster care system, the effects of trauma on children, adoption issues, communication, discipline, and the effects of loss and separation on children and an understanding of the relationship with biological parents.

STEP 3:  HOME STUDY

Once all of your documents, live scan & background check are completed, cleared and received by the agency, you will be assigned to a social worker to complete and conduct a family assessment, also known as a home study. The assessment consists of multiple interviews with the prospective parents, as well as an interview with all people that live in your home. We are interested in knowing about your current family, your family of origin, health history, employment, education, housing arrangements, child care experience, losses you’ve experienced and how you have dealt with them. We want to understand how you view foster care and what motivates you to become a foster and/or an adoptive parent.

STEP 4:  HOME INSPECTION

The final step is the home inspection. We will arrange a time to come to your home and do a walk through following the regulations set forth by the state and the county with regard to the safety of your home.

STEP 5:  APPROVAL

When all of the above steps are satisfactorily completed, and the home study is approved, our intake social worker will contact you for initial placement of a child.