In the past, the Department of Social Services, or Health and Human Services, (called DHS or DSS), did all foster licensing. As local government agencies got busier they started contracting out services. Now, in some counties, private foster agencies are contracted by the state to license foster and adopting parents. In these cases, you must choose your agency from competing ones in your county.

Steps

1. Call your local state Child Welfare department and inquire if they handle the licensing and placement of children. (See below for resource)

• If YES, ask for application and proceed with your local state or county agency.


• If NO follow steps below to find an agency.

2. Ask for list of county approved agencies.

3. Call several agencies and ask for information packets.

Check what appeals and doesn't appeal from each agency

4. Visit several agencies.

Attend their open house events or free information night, and take notes!

5. Ask the following questions of each agency:

• How large is the agency?


• Do they offer training classes in house? Respite care? Support services?


• Do they handle adoptions in house or contract with other services? Why?


• Do they offer post adoption services? If so, which ones?


• Do they specialize in placing specific types of children only, i.e., Down syndrome or older children? Does this match with your desires?


• How many other foster parents are presently licensed with them? How many of those have children in their homes?


• What types of monthly reports are required? Do they have an organized system to help you file these reports?

6. Network with other prospective parents.

Ask if they have ever been foster parents in this county before and explore what you can learn from them.

7. Compare your notes from each agency.

8. Compare your notes from talking with other foster families.

9. Check references

10. Decide on your agency

Tips:

• Listen to other parents who are already licensed. Take their advice!


• Get referrals from other foster parents, and then check references.


• Follow your intuition when choosing an agency. In the end it comes down to people (you) connecting with other people (the caseworkers and administrators).

Warnings:

• Some agencies will require you to pay for some of the licensing process. Don't be fooled; foster licensing should be almost free to you. Exceptions may include fingerprinting and some specific training, (CPR etc). Ask upfront about out of pocket expenses.


• Is the agency so large it will be impersonal? Does that matter to you?


• Is the agency so small it won't have services that you require?

Related Resources:

State by State Government Resources
More Information on Getting Started

Discuss this subject with others on the forums

Author: Michelle Vandepas
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