Steps to Approval

The Division of Family and Children Services will initiate a written Family Evaluation or assessment of each prospective caregiver upon receipt of their application to become a foster or adoptive parent. The evaluation will be completed no later than eight weeks after the applicant completes all pre-service activities, including pre-service training, at least three in-home consultations, and submission of all requested verification forms and other documentation. 

The approval process will take place in three phases:

  • Phase 1: Inquiry

    • Prospective caregivers will inquire about becoming foster or adoptive parents by calling the information line (1-877-210-KIDS).
    • Prospective caregivers will then be invited to an information session. They will have the choice to attend an in-person session in their county or an online webinar.

  • Phase 2: Information Session

    Prospective caregivers attend a group or individual Information Session and are provided information about the Child Welfare System, the various types of caregivers, safety screening requirements, and other general information about being a caregiver.

    Each prospective caregiver is given the following handouts which must be completed and returned if the prospective caregiver wishes to initiate the Family Evaluation process

    • Prospective Caregiver Application
    • Live Scan Application Form

  • Phase 3: Pre-Service Training and Home Evaluation

    During this final process, prospective caregivers must complete the pre-service training and participate in a minimum of three home consultations.

    Upon completion of all required training, paperwork, screenings, home consultations, and written home evaluation forms, applicants will receive a letter from the county notifying them of the final approval decision.