Reasons That Someone Is Deemed an Unfit Foster Parent

A foster parent is an important asset in the life of a child. Foster parents essentially take on the role of the biological parent by creating an atmosphere that is conducive to learning and developing. However, not everyone will qualify to be a foster parent. In order to foster or adopt a child, an individual must pass a series of inspections and background checks while being certified to accept the responsibilities of parenting. Failure to pass all aspects of the certification process will result in denial of guardianship.

  1. Background Check Problems

    • One of the simplest ways to be deemed an unfit foster parent is to fail the background check. Federal standards require that candidates have a relatively clean criminal record. Child abuse, along with neglect convictions and recent felony convictions for assault or battery, will disqualify a prospective candidate. Recent drug-related offenses may also diminish any chances of becoming a foster parent. In addition to federal regulations, 22 states, along with the District of Columbia, disqualify applicants who have adult household members with prior felony convictions.

    Family Stability

    • Aside from passing an extensive background investigation, applicants are also required to demonstrate family stability. Proving family stability means having a stable income that can support the necessities, and being in good physical and mental health. While a physician will report the health of an applicant to the state, it is up to the applicant to provide enough written documentation that proves financial stability. Constantly paying bills late and having little to nothing in a checking or savings account do not prove stability. Applicants who submit such information to the state can expect to be denied the right to foster.

    Home Inspection

    • Prior to being given authority over a child, a foster parent applicant must pass a home inspection. The home inspection includes evaluation of kitchen, bedroom and bathroom facilities. A foster child will not be awarded if one bedroom is not reserved for the child's occupancy, and if there are numerous hazards in the home. Hazards can be anything from loose wires to easily accessible toxins such as bleach and ammonia. If an applicant hopes to pass inspection, she should present a clean home that would be inviting to young children and teenagers.

    General Disqualifications

    • In addition to the main three disqualifiers mentioned above, an individual may also be deemed unfit for foster care if he is younger than 21 years of age. Other disqualifying factors include poor character references and submitting an incomplete application. Any individual who fails to complete a pre-service training course authorized by the state will be deemed unfit for foster parenting. It is also essential that every applicant pass a personal interview in which the methods of care and supervision of the child are discussed.

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