• Foster Care Program and Support Services
• Fostering with Care
• How to Become a Foster Parent
• Foster Care Programs and Locations
• Foster parent requirements
• Apply to become a foster parent

Foster Parent Requirements and Qualifications

While every state and Devereux center has its own requirements and regulatory practices, a few of the high-level qualifications you will need to become a foster parent include:

• Be 21-plus years of age
• Have a birth certificate
• Be a citizen or permanent resident of the U.S.
• Obtain/pass a fingerprint clearance and a criminal background check (criminal and child abuse) for all household members over the age of 18
• Demonstrate the ability to meet financial expenses without a reliance on foster care reimbursement
• Have homeowner’s or renter’s insurance
• Complete a home study process
• Pass a safety inspection of the residence
• Own an operable vehicle with a valid registration and insurance, or assure dependable transportation needs
• Have marriage or divorce certificate or documentation, if applicable
• Show proof of a physical healthcare examination
• Complete pre-service foster parent training
• Provide personal references

Learn more about becoming a foster parent

Apply to become a foster parent