From time to time a foster home may be placed inactive or on hold. This means that for a period of time that the foster home is not open to new foster placements. This does not mean that if you have foster children already living in your home that they will be moved.

Any time foster families can choose to place their home on hold just to allow themselves to take a break from fostering. The truth is that we all need breaks from time to time so this is not a bad thing. One thing you may want to check on before placing your home on hold is how this affects your status and what you will need to do to start fostering again when you are ready.

With my agency, if your home... more

There are children of all ages in the foster care system who need temporary or permanent homes. Some of these children have special emotional or medical needs; some are sibling groups; others need a safe and loving home. In order to become a foster parent and welcome foster children into your home, you must be licensed.

Steps:

1. Determine if fostering is right for you.

Evaluate your situation. Talk with other foster families and educate yourself about the various types of foster parenting.

2. Call your local Department of Health and Human Services (see resource... more

Licensing

You made it!!! You will go sign paperwork, receive your book of minimal standards and make choice of gender, age, race, and how many. At this time you can state what you would and would not like to deal with. The only thing we did not feel comfortable with, was sexual abuse or sexual acting out, this was because we had a young daughter we did not want exposed to this. Understand this does not mean this will not happen, the abuse maybe unknown until placed with you. I had two children placed with us that had been sexually abused but it was not known until they were with us. Every case and child will be different and react differently. The little girl (2 years old) was... more

The fire inspection will also fall under the home study. The fire department will do this inspection. Be sure and tell them that it is for foster care. Your home must have a fire extinguisher where it can be seen.

Smoke detectors near/outside each bedroom and on each level of your home.

Pesticides, flammable, and other dangerous stuff will need to be stored were children can not get into them. Garage high shelf, or a storage shed that can be secured so that children can not reach them.

Fireplaces need to be child proofed with glass doors, screen over opening, etc..

Rooms must have two exits, windows do count as an exit. You can not have windows blocked... more

With the health inspections your agency should give you an idea what they will be looking for. This is an area that I was personally stressed about. My house is clean, but lived in with children, and pets. I am not a neat and a cleaning freak. If something comes up like my children want to play outside on a beautiful day, I will for go my chores for later. In my mind will my children remember that the living room was always spotless, or that I spent time with them. Believe me the living room floors has always waited for me and my children’s childhood is flying by:)

Your house does not have to be perfect or spotless. It needs to be clean and tidy. Safety plugs on the electric... more

Continued......

Home Study

The thought of this can cause you great stress. It is not as bad as it sounds. A caseworker or other staff will set up a time to meet with you and your family. They will ask questions to you as a couple, and then as individuals. They will interview your children individually. They will be asking questions that may be uncomfortable for some to discuss, the questions are personal and can viewed as invasive.

Below I will give you an idea of the personal questions that may be asked. How do you feel about your sex life?

Do you feel that... more