How to Become a Foster Parent in Dallas, Texas

Becoming a foster parent in Dallas, Texas, gives you the opportunity to provide a safe home for a child in need and in some cases even be eligible to adopt the child in your care. Texas's Department of Family and Protective Services oversees the process of becoming a foster parent throughout the state, though families in Dallas are able to work with a local branch to complete the process.

Instructions

    • 1

      Meet all of Texas's foster-parent requirements. Texas foster parents must be at least 21 years old, financially secure, willing to provide personal information and have a background check, and be able to provide references. In addition, you must care for no more than six children in your home, vaccinate your pets, obtain CPR and first-aid certification, agree to a nonphysical discipline plan and take a tuberculosis test. Your home must have adequate space for the foster child and pass fire, health and safety inspections.

    • 2

      Contact the Department of Family and Protective Services to get information on foster care and to begin the application process. Dallas is part of the department's Region Three, and you can call recruitment workers at 817-792-4409. The recruitment worker will be able to answer any questions you may have about foster care and provide you with detailed information about what steps must be completed before you can foster.

    • 3

      Attend an information meeting. Information meetings are offered both in Dallas and throughout region three. Your recruitment officer is able to give you specific dates and locations of the upcoming meetings. Texas's foster-care information meeting addresses fostering issues such as state requirements and foster-care considerations.

    • 4

      Complete a foster-parent assessment to ensure your eligibility and readiness to foster with the Department of Family and Protective Services. This process may include completing a background check and providing reference letters, among other requirements.

    • 5

      Take the state's training course. All potential foster parents in Texas must complete the 35-hour "Parent Resource Information Development Education" course, which provides training and information about foster care. In addition to the course, you must also attend training in universal precautions and psychotropic medication and be certified in CPR and first aid.

    • 6

      Complete a family home study. A caseworker visits your home to meet with you and your family to discuss your lifestyle and experience with children and to help you decide which children will suit your family best.

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