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Overview of the Application Process
Families For Children prides itself in the knowledge, promptness, professionalism and communication of our staff. The following is what you may expect should you pursue foster care with us:
Individual Orientations:
Rather than the usual group orientation meetings, Families For Children offers one-on-one
informational orientations with one of our experienced Social Workers for those
inquiring about foster care. We feel that the individual orientation allows a greater level
of comfort for prospective foster parents to discuss their personal questions about foster care.
We will discuss the application process, home study, and explain how we work with
you as a team through the certification process and provide an understanding of the children
we serve. These meetings are truly focused on your questions and our goal is to provide you with
the information necessary for you to make an informed decision about being a foster parent.
These meetings are held at your convenience during normal business hours.
Please Contact Us for more
information or to schedule an appointment.
Application & Training:
If you wish to proceed after after attending an orientation, we will provide you with an application
packet.
All foster families are required to complete two 6-hour pre-certification training sessions.
Our trainings are held on Saturdays or evenings to fit around work schedules. The format includes
lecture presentations, films, group work and self-evaluating home work. The training is conducted by
our Master's level Social Workers. There are no fees for the training. More information on the content of our training
may be obtained Here.
Home Safety Check:
The home safety check is the first step in the home study process. An agency Social Worker
will visit and review a list of State required safety items and precautions with you. All requirements
do not have to be fulfilled on the first visit, however they must be completed prior
to certification of your home. You may View the Home Safety Check in Adobe PDF format.
Home Study:
This is the final part of the certification process. A Social Worker will review
questionnaires you filled out from the application packet and conduct an interview. The Home Study
document will be written by your Social Worker after interviews are complete.
The Home Study will describe your family dynamics and communication style; openness to change,
family stability; family history; exploration of marriage and/or relationship history; lifestyle;
expectations of children's needs and development, motivation in undertaking parenting; former
parenting experience and understanding of the commitment and meaning of the foster care process.
Application Timeline:
If you are prompt in submitting the required documentation required in the application,
completion of the application process, including the Home Study and training, takes an average of
6 weeks.