How to Become a Foster Parent in Iowa

Being a foster parent can be an extremely rewarding experience. A foster parent is someone that acts as a legal guardian or parent in place of the biological parent. Foster parenting can lead to adoption, but is not the same as adoption. Foster children often come from homes where they were abused, neglected or where the biological parent was unable to care for them. If you would like to become a foster parent in Iowa, there are a number of steps you must take in order to become licensed.

Instructions

    • 1

      Contact the Iowa KidsNet at 800-243-0756 to request an informational packet. This packet will answer basic questions about what is expected of a foster parent and the application process.

    • 2

      Attend an informational session in your area (See Resources). More in-depth information will be presented at the session and you will have the opportunity to ask questions about the process.

    • 3

      Complete PS-MAPP training. The PS-MAPP training sessions are completed over the span of 10 weeks with one, three-hour session per week. The training is intended to give you the skills you will need to be an effective foster parent and work with children that have come from less than ideal family conditions.

    • 4

      Cooperate with a home study. A social worker will visit you and your family in your home environment to assure that your home is a safe and nurturing place for a foster child.

    • 5

      Receive your foster parent license. Once you have completed all the required training and have received a positive home study report, you will receive your foster parent license. Once licensed, you will be matched with a waiting child.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • 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
    • What does foster mother mean?
      A foster mother is a woman who provides a temporary home and care for a child who is not her biological child. This can be due to various reasons, such as the childs parents being unable to care for them, or the child being in need of a safe and lovi
    • Grants for Foster Homes
      The federal government provides grants to states to help fund foster care programs. These funds provide care to children who are removed from the home on a permanent or temporary basis. The funds are used for running and implementing a program as opp