Rules, Regulations & Policies for Foster Parents

Foster parents provide a much-needed service. They take care of children who are in need and have been taken away from their parents. Foster parents open their home to children who are in a transition part of their lives. While specific rules and regulations for foster parents vary from state to state, there are some universal regulations to consider before becoming a foster parent.

  1. Demographics

    • A potential foster parent must pass several tests. The first is to have a background check that is clear of any crimes. Foster parents can be single or married, and should have a stable financial history. All adults that will be in the home will need to be fingerprinted. The home that the foster parent lives in must also undergo inspection to ensure that it is a safe home for the child to live. Foster parents should also be at least 21 years of age.

    Training

    • Foster parents in every state are required to complete a training course. Those who work with special needs will take special, extra classes. Most states also require that you take courses in CPR and first aid. The number of classes required will vary from state to state, some requiring as little as six, others as high as 45 hours.

    Character

    • Foster parents also have to undergo character evaluations to make sure that the meet the characteristics of a foster parent, loving, stable and supportive. Foster parents are required to keep social workers abreast of any new situations that arise, and to also provide patience, kindness, and sympathy to the foster children in their care. Many times, references will also be needed and kept on file.

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