How to Be A Foster Parent

How to Become a Foster Parent

Every child needs a different kind of foster parent. Here at FCS, we work to count people in, not out, as foster parents. Reach out to learn more about fostering today.

average days to become approved foster parent through FCS

minimum age requirement to become a foster parent

gender, cultural, ethnicity, marital status, educational, or home ownership requirements for becoming a foster parent

What Are the of Foster Care Rewards?
As a foster parent, you will experience daily rewards. The most powerful reward is the difference you are making in the life of a child and in his or her family. As the foster parent, you are the primary agent for change for the child. While there will be many people on your team supporting you and the child every step of the way, you are ultimately the primary support for the child through his/her journey to achieving permanency. As this support person, you are not only impacting the child, but also his/her family. The rewards of helping a child and family reunite, or helping a child achieve permanency in other ways (i.e. adoption, independent living, etc.) are immeasurable.

What is the First Step?
You have made the first step! You’ve begun to research and determine what will be the best route for you to take in your goal to serve children and families. Now it is time to learn more about what it means to be a therapeutic foster parent, and what it will mean to be a part of For Children’s Sake. The next step will be to attend a “no-strings-attached” foster parent orientation to learn more about being a foster parent, about the requirements, and about the process towards becoming approved. Contact us electronically at [email protected] or call us at (703) 817-9890, to speak with our staff and set up a time for an orientation.

DOWNLOAD FOSTER PARENT APPLICATION TODAY!

How to Become a Foster Parent

FCS works at whatever pace works for you, providing quality training and support as you begin the process of welcoming a child in your home.

Orientation

STEP 1

You call us and we set up a meeting to discuss FCS, our policies, and how we best fit together to match your family’s fostering expectations.

Application

STEP 2

You’re given an application at the end of orientation. Once received, the staff will look over the application, call with any questions, and follow up with references.

Training

STEP 3

Parent’s Resource for Information, Development and Education (PRIDE) training program through FCS. This is a 27 hour training, with scheduling based on your needs.

Home Study

STEP 4

Our staff will reach out to schedule your home study, where we come to your home at least three times to interview you, your family, and verify that your house is up to regulation.

Approval

STEP 5

Once you are officially approved, FCS staff will call you with an intake as children are in need of your help.

“These kids come in broken and many times we “fix” them to some degree. Just knowing that each child in my home felt loved and safe, even for those brief moments, was and remains to be the reason of why this is worth it.

“My foster family they are really cool. I really like them. There is no difference in the family between us. They see me as their little sister, big sister, granddaughter, and daughter.”

-M, FCS Foster Youth

“It was what I wanted in a family. I love my foster mom and my sisters.”

-A, FCS Foster Youth

“My foster parents helped me find my forever family.”

-Webb Family, FCS Foster Family

“I know that I am safe and loved in foster care.”

-Anonymous, FCS Foster Youth

“I’m inspired by my dad…because he has shown me the kind of person I want to become as a young man. The first thing that inspires me is he is in the Army. He is a Chief and he teaches soldiers. Another example is that he plays video games with the children and he is a good foster dad. My foster dad is good to me by speaking the truth and teaching me to be respectful. In conclusion, he has patience and is helpful. This is why I look up to him as an honorable role model.”