How to Become a Foster Parent in North Carolina

Becoming a foster parent in North Carolina allows you to make a difference for children in need by providing a temporary home, or in some cases a permanent home through a later adoption. While you may be eager to provide a home to a child immediately, all foster parents in North Carolina must go through a licensing process to ensure their preparation before children are placed in the home. Once you are licensed, the state will place a child in your care as soon as the need arises.

Instructions

    • 1

      Meet all of North Carolina's basic requirements. Before applying to become a foster parent, you must be at least 21 years old, provide a drug-free environment and have a stable home and steady income. You must also be willing to complete all licensing requirements, including being fingerprinted, having a background check and attending foster-parent training.

    • 2

      Contact a licensing agency. North Carolina licenses foster parents in association with local agencies. You may choose from a list of private child-placing agencies throughout the state or you may work with your county's Division of Social Services. Once you have selected an agency to work with, contact the agency to learn about its requirements and licensing process.

    • 3

      Complete your training. Regardless of the licensing agency you choose to work with, all foster parents must complete at least 30 hours of training before they can be licensed. Your agency will provide you with information on its next available training class.

    • 4

      Meet all other state and local licensing requirements. In addition to the training requirement, North Carolina requires that all foster homes pass a fire inspection and a check for environmental and health regulations, have a working telephone and have a bed for each foster child. All adults in the home must pass several background checks and have a tuberculosis test. Your agency will help you complete the licensing process and may have additional requirements that must be met before a license is issued. Once you have met all of the requirements, you will receive a license and be ready to care for children.

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