Foster Parent Requirements

Individuals and couples must meet the following requirements to become foster parents:

• Be at least 21 years old;
• Have enough room (and beds) in your home for a foster child to sleep and keep his or her belongings;
• Live in a home that can meet basic fire, safety and sanitary standards;
• Pass a physical examination, and provide a statement from a physician verifying that all household members are in good health and free from any physical/mental conditions that could hinder the ability to foster parent;
• Be emotionally capable of caring for children and have no alcohol or drug abuse problems;
• Be able to pass a criminal background check and have no substantiated record of abusing or neglecting children;
• Provide personal references;
• Earn enough money to support your family and a foster child without depending on foster care reimbursement income;
• Participate in pre-placement interviews with Damar Foster Care Services staff. This process helps prepare prospective foster parents for issues that can arise after a child or sibling group is placed in their home. Many children bring not only unique special needs, but also a history of life experiences and personal challenges that may impact their relationships with foster parents, other children in the family, schoolmates, and others. Issues related to disability, culture, early abuse, birth family members, etc., should be discussed with your social worker;
• Have a good understanding of the needs of children who have been abused or neglected;
• Possess the willingness to work with the others in achieving a foster child’s permanence;
• Complete the free Foster, Adoption and Kinship Training (FAKT);
• Complete free training in First Aid and CPR;
• Possess a vehicle, a valid driver’s license and automobile insurance coverage.