SIX STEPS TO BECOMING A FOSTER PARENT

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Becoming a foster parent with Center For Family Services involves several steps requiring varying amounts of time, paperwork, and face-to-face meetings. Each step builds on the previous steps.

The process helps you decide whether foster parenting is indeed something you want to commit to. It also gives us a chance to get to know you better so that an appropriate match is made  between foster family and youth.

Once you contact us to explore the possibility of becoming a foster parent, you can expect to follow the steps outlined below. This entire process typically takes about three months.

Step 1: First Steps

When you first contact our office, a staff member will answer your questions about being a foster parent. If you're interested in taking the next step, we will ask you some basic questions about you and your family, and will mail you a packet of information and forms for you to fill out and return to us.

Step 2: Orientation

You will be invited to an orientation, where you will meet with other interested families and learn more about what it will mean for you to be a foster parent. In some cases, a staff person will come to your home and meet with you individually to answer your questions and provide information and additional forms for you to fill out and return to us.

Step 3: Pre-service training

Every prospective foster parent is required to attend about 27 hours of pre-service training sessions. These sessions are designed to help you make a final decision about becoming a foster parent. In the session, we discuss what foster parenting is all about -- what it takes, what to expect, the obligations, challenges, and rewards.

Step 4: Home Study

During this step, one of our case managers specializing in family development will visit your home to interview you and any other family members and residents in your home. Typically, interviews are conducted during the course of at least two to four visits to your home. The interviews are an opportunity for us to:

• Gather background information about you and your family.
• Understand your motivations to become a foster parent.
• Ensure that foster parenting is a fit for you.
• Ensure that you will be able to provide a safe and nurturing home environment.
• Make sure your home has enough space to accommodate additional youth.
• Complete criminal background checks on everyone living in your home.
• Interview references provided by you.

Step 5: Licensing or certification

The State of New Jersey's Office of Licensing reviews your application and determines whether or not to certify or license you as a foster parent.

Step 6: Child Placement

Once you have the appropriate certification or license, Center For Family Services can match you with a young person. You are now ready to provide a youth in foster care with a safe and loving home.