Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the benefits of becoming a foster or adoptive parent?
- Who can be a foster or adoptive parent?
- What are the requirements to be licensed as a foster or adoptive parent?
- What type of training will I receive to become a licensed foster or adoptive parent?
- Who are the children in need of foster care and adoption?
- What issues will I encounter when fostering or adopting a child?
- How long does it take to get a foster child placed in my home?
- How long will a foster child stay in my care and why would they leave?
- What are the financial costs of fostering a child?
- What kind of support can I expect from FSMO?
- Is it possible to adopt a foster child?
Q: What are the benefits of becoming a foster or adoptive parent?
A: There is no greater reward than seeing a child thrive and grow with the support of a
loving family. As a foster or adoptive parent, you will assist a child in becoming a
stable adult, capable of creating a positive future for themselves and others. By doing
so, you will have the joy of knowing you changed that child's life forever.
Q: Who can be a foster or adoptive parent?
A: Most adults 21 years and older who can provide a stable, loving home to a child can foster
or adopt, including those who are married, single, divorced, widowed and of all religious
faiths, races and education levels.
Q: What are the requirements to be licensed as a foster
or adoptive parent?
A: In order to become a licensed foster or adoptive parent, you will
need to:
- allow for a criminal background check and be fingerprinted.
- complete an application packet.
- participate in interviews with FSMO staff.
- complete medical exams for you and each of your family members.
- complete pre-service training.
- attend ongoing training programs provided by FSMO.
- be financially stable and able to maintain financial responsibilities in your home.
For a complete list of steps in the licensing process, click here.
Q: What type of training will I receive to become a licensed foster
or adoptive parent?
A: In addition to other licensing requirements, you will participate in a 30-hour training
program called the Model Approach to Partnerships in Parenting (MAPP). Once you are a
licensed foster or adoptive parent, you will be required to continue participating in
community and staff-led workshops and training sessions to assist you in continuously
developing your foster/adoptive parenting skills. There are a variety of training
opportunities available throughout the year. For a list of training opportunities and
other resources, click here.
Q: Who are the children in need of foster care and adoption?
A: Foster and adoptive children range in age from newborn to 18 and are from all cultural and
ethnic backgrounds. Many have been abused or neglected and may suffer from emotional,
behavioral, physical or developmental problems. Many are teenagers or sibling groups, the
hardest groups to find homes for.
Q: What issues will I encounter when fostering or adopting a child?
A: A child's troubled background usually manifests itself in a variety of ways. Foster and
adoptive parents should be prepared to deal with behaviors like bed-wetting, lying, and
rebellion. With time, you will see these behaviors change and receive the joy of knowing
that you helped change the course of that child's life and all who they will touch.
Q: How long does it take to get a foster child placed in my home?
A: The amount of time needed to complete the training process and licensing requirements
varies from family to family, but averages three to six months. Once you are licensed,
FSMO will make every effort to find a child that is an appropriate match for your family.
Q: How long will a foster child stay in my care and why would they
leave?
A: The average length of stay for a foster child is approximately 18 months; however, each
case is unique. Children generally leave their foster homes for more permanent placements,
including reunification with the child's own family, becoming legally independent and
adoption.
Q: What are the financial costs of fostering a child?
A: Foster parents receive monthly financial support for each child in their home. The amount
varies with the child's age and level of need. The medical and dental expenses of most
foster and adopted children are covered by Medicaid, and additional financial assistance
may be available for children with special needs.
Q: What kind of support can I expect from FSMO?
A: FSMO believes that foster and adoptive parents are an integral part of a child's welfare.
To support the emotional and behavioral needs of our children and families, FSMO provides
case workers and supportive services, including pre-adoption assessment and counseling,
family counseling and support groups. Your individual case worker is available 24 hours a
day to care for the needs of your family and answer any questions you may have.
Q: Is it possible to adopt a foster child?
A: Often, adoption is an option for foster parents. In fact, about one-fourth of the children
placed in foster care are later adopted by their foster parents. Once the decision is made
to adopt, FSMO will assist you with the pre- and post-adoption requirements and the legal
transfer of the child into your home.
