First Steps to Becoming a Foster or Adoptive Parent
Becoming a foster parent or adoptive parent with Casey Family Services is a process with several steps. Because children and youth in foster care are in the custody of the state, prospective foster and adoptive parents must become licensed.
If you are interested in adopting a child from foster care, many states require prospective parents first to become licensed foster parents and care for a youngster before moving forward with the adoption process.
Casey Family Services is here to help you through both the licensing and adoption processes. You also will be supported by current and former foster and adoptive parents who can guide you through the experience.
The steps you take toward receiving a license help you to make an informed commitment to fostering or adopting. Other steps help you discover more about Casey, and help staff work with you. Finally, some steps provide an opportunity to assess your ability to provide a stable, nurturing, and safe environment for children and youth in foster care.
Although this process may seem challenging at first, keep in mind that the ultimate goal is protecting and nurturing vulnerable children and youth. The licensing process typically takes about three months.
Step 1: Contact Us
Becoming a foster or adoptive parent is a significant decision. We are happy to talk with you about your interest and answer any questions you have. We will ask basic questions about you and your immediate family members. If you would like, we will send you additional information in the mail or connect you with a Casey foster or adoptive parent. You may contact us online, or call us at 1.888.799.KIDS.
Step 2: Get to Know Casey and Foster Care Better
Each state’s foster care system is unique, therefore, each of our divisions has a different approach to meeting you for the first time. Some hold information or orientation sessions, others schedule face-to-face meetings with you in your home. Regardless of the approach, we want to tell you about the kids that Casey serves, highlight the joys and challenges of parenting them, and let you know how you can make a difference to a child.
Step 3: Participate in Pre-service Training
The children and youth in foster care often have special needs due to the traumatic experiences that brought them into care. Therefore, specialized training is provided to ensure that you have the information and skills needed to be a nurturing and effective parent. Each state has different pre-service training requirements and schedules, but all of them require an investment of time, typically 20 to 30 hours.
Step 4: Complete a Home Study
Once you have completed pre-service training and decided to continue with the licensing process, we will conduct a home study. A social worker from a local division will visit your home to talk with you and others living in your home, including children and other adults. These face-to-face meetings are more in-depth than previous ones and will focus on your background, parenting style, and ability to safely raise a child or youth. We want to help you to make the best decision about parenting a child in foster care.
During the home study, your home also will be assessed to determine if it meets the state’s requirements for safely accommodating a child or youth.
Final Steps
Once the home study is completed, and all of the requirements for licensure have been met, your state agency will issue a license. Casey Family Services then will work with you to identify a child that is the best match for you and your family.
Learn More
- Download the Fostering and Adopting with Casey Family Services brochure (PDF).
- Download the Fostering and Adopting with Casey Family Services brochure in Spanish (PDF).
- Request information on fostering and adopting with Casey Family Services