How to Be a Foster Parent in Kentucky

Foster care in Kentucky provides temporary care for over 7,000 children between birth and 21 years of age. More than 50 percent of foster children in Kentucky are over the age of 12. Others may be sibling groups or infants. Foster children may have been removed from their homes because of abuse or neglect. Many have special needs and behavioral issues. Foster homes provide safe, supportive environments for these children. Becoming a foster parent in Kentucky can be a rewarding experience for many families.

Things You'll Need

  • Birth certificate
  • Bed for foster child
  • Home that meets safety standards
  • Criminal background check
  • Proof of income
  • Home study
  • 30 hours of training

Instructions

    • 1

      Determine what kind of foster care you wish to provide. A regular foster home in Kentucky provides temporary care for children who have been removed from the home of a parent or guardian. Emergency shelter offers immediate care for children 12 and older for up to one month. Care Plus foster parents are needed for children who display emotional or behavioral problems that cannot be addressed in a regular foster home. Medically Fragile homes provide care for children with significant medical needs. Care Plus and Medically Fragile foster parents receive additional training and support for special needs children. Relatives may apply to become a foster parent for a family member in need.

    • 2

      Check to be sure that you meet the requirements to become a foster parent in Kentucky. You must be at least 21 years of age to qualify. A physician will need to provide written documentation of your physical and mental status. Contact at least three individuals who will be able and willing to provide a reference. The Department for Community Based Services will conduct a criminal background check, including the child/spouse abuse registry. You must supply proof of financial stability. Foster care or adoption subsidies will not be accepted by the state of Kentucky as sufficient income.

    • 3

      Contact 800-232-KIDS (5437) to request an information packet on foster care in Kentucky. When you call this number in Frankfort to declare your interest in becoming a foster parent, representatives will record your information. Ask about dates, times and locations for upcoming introductory meetings in your area.

    • 4

      Attend a free, no-obligation local information session about foster parenting in Kentucky. This meeting will yield important details about the application process. Experienced foster parents will be present to share personal stories and knowledge. You will have an opportunity to ask questions and find out more about available foster children.

    • 5

      Prepare your home for a foster child. Kentucky requires each foster child to have a bed of his own and ample storage for his belongings. Check your home for items such as smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. Place child safety locks on cabinets and install safety gates across staircases. Each county determines its own requirements for safety and space. Contact your county's housing authority to determine if your home meets the standards for safety, space and sanitation.

    • 6

      Participate in 30 hours of pre-service preparation training. Once you have determined that you are ready and qualified to become a foster parent, you will be required to complete 30 hours of preparation. This training will provide you with specific knowledge and skills required to be a successful foster parent.

    • 7

      Schedule the first of two consultations with a state recruitment and certification worker. This agent will meet with you in your home as part of the approval process. You will have an opportunity to ask individual questions and the agent will acquire information about your family. The recruitment and certification worker will submit a home study narrative to the state for approval. The entire process of application, evaluation and training takes approximately four to six months to complete. Once approved and a child is placed, the state of Kentucky provides a per diem stipend to foster parents. This financial assistance helps to supplement daily and medical expenses.

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