Become a foster parent

Requirements and responsibilities 

Foster parents are part of a team whose primary purpose is to keep children safe and enhance their well-being. Foster parents are licensed by the Florida Department of Children and Families.

Basic foster parent requirements:

  • Be at least 21 years old; there is no maximum age limit. We welcome all ages as well as both single individuals and couples
  • Be in good physical and mental health
  • Have adequate sleeping space
  • Agree to a nonphysical discipline policy
  • Permit health and safety inspections of the home
  • Have current vaccinations of any pets
  • Participate in 30 hours pre-service training and attend 12 hours annual training thereafter
  • Pass background checks. Clearances required include child abuse registry and law enforcement record checks

Foster families' responsibilities include:

  • Provide children daily care and nurturing to help them thrive
  • Advocate for children in their schools and communities
  • Inform the child's case worker about adjustments to your home, school and community as well as any problems or concerns that may arise
  • Participate as a team member with the child's caseworker toward reunifying children with their birth families when safe and appropriate
  • Be a positive role model to birth families
  • Help children learn life skills appropriate for their ages and abilities

Additional requirements:

Pre-Service Training
Pre-service training classes are designed to assist in making final decisions about becoming foster parents. The training is designed to assist prospective foster parents in learning about the needs of foster children and the parenting skills necessary to care for them.

Home Study
A written home study is required as a part of the licensing process. It is an in-depth interview process meant to determine that individuals meet licensing requirements and are suitable to provide for the care of foster children. It is also the prospective foster parents' opportunity to communicate the strengths of their family and to learn more about fostering a child.

Please contact us for more information!