Steps to Becoming a Foster or Adoptive Parent
- Attend an orientation meeting and complete a basic screening questionnaire.
- Participate in a 30-hour training program called the Model Approach to Partnerships in Parenting (MAPP).
- Complete a personal history interview conducted in your home by a Licensing Representative. The Licensing Representative will visit your home at least twice, during and after the training period.
- Complete background screening for criminal history or reports of child abuse.
- Participate in home and health inspections. A medical exam or doctor's statement may be required for applicants under a physician's care, or with a physical or mental health disorder.
- Complete character references including personal and job. School references are needed if you have school-age children at home.
- The information collected during the home consultations will be compiled into a home- study packet and submitted for approval.
- For prospective adoptive parents, your family will be invited to special events to meet children available for adoption. Your Licensing Representative will coordinate pre-placement activities following the initial union or potential adoptive match, where information about the child can be obtained. The official placement in your home will occur when you, the child and Licensing Representative determine the child is ready. You can expect monthly visits to occur so that the Licensing Representative can assess the child's adjustment and address issues for additional services if necessary.
- Final approval is given and you are ready to have a child come into your home. For prospective adoptive parents, your attorney will schedule a hearing before a judge. At this hearing the adoption will be legalized and your adoption will be final.
