How to Become a Texas Foster Parent

Becoming a foster parent is rewarding but is also a very serious commitment. The state of Texas provides you with many resources and information to help you decide if becoming a foster parent is right for you and your family. They also provide you with information and assistance once you decide to make the commitment. As a foster parent you will be in communication with an agency that will provide you with support, monitor the child and ensure that you are the best foster home for them.

Instructions

    • 1

      Attend an information meeting. Your local Department of Family and Protective Services office will be able to supply you with location and information on these meetings in the Texas area.

    • 2

      Prepare for selection. You will need to meet the basic requirements before you can officially meet with an DFPS officer to decide if being a foster parent is right for you. The basic requirements are that you must be at least 21 years old, financially stable, mature, pass a criminal history background check, have adequate sleeping space, have no more than six children in the home in addition to various other requirements that you will be informed of at the informational meeting.

    • 3

      Attend Texas PRIDE, Parents Resource Information Development Education. Pride is a 35- hour competency-based training program. It is taught by an agency staff member and a current foster parent to give prospective foster parents a better idea of what it is like to parent a foster child. PRIDE includes information on loss and grief, child attachment, the effects of abuse and discipline.

    • 4

      Allow a family home study. A case worker will visit your home and speak with you and your family to see if parenting a foster child is right for you. In addition they will use this study to gauge which child will be best suited in your home.

    • 5

      Receive additional training. In addition to PRIDE, you have to take universal precautions training, psychotropic medication training, and gain certification in both First Aid and infant/child/adult CPR.

    • 6

      Work with the agency officers to decide which child is best for you. You can view photos and limited information about children needing foster care on the official state adoption website.

    • 7

      Meet with your prospective foster child to ensure a good match. You will be provided with all of that child's information and history.

    • 8

      Receive further training for 20-30 hours from agency officers each year during your foster care services.

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