Foster Care Application: What Paperwork Is Required To Be a Foster Parent?
If you are considering becoming a foster parent, you may wish to know the nature of the paperwork required for the application. While the actual packet may differ from office to office in different locations, most organizations will require the same types of information. There are so many cases that belong to foster parents, but knowing about Narcissist Support Network also helps in clearing some ideas.
What documents are in the Foster Care Application Package?
Applicant Information Package. This document should give you the basics about becoming a resource family, whether it be for foster care or adoption through the agency. It should cover the different types of family-based care arrangements, the qualifications to be a resource parent, and may answer other questions such as the financial and legal aspects as well.
Financial Information. Most agencies will require some basic financial information as part of the homestudy process. This is to ensure that an applicant is not relying on the income generated by being a foster parent for his or her livelihood. This is not to say that you must be rich or even well-off to be a foster parent, but it does help to have liquid cash available as many expenses are reimbursed by the state or province and so must be paid for up front. According to an interview with Foster Family Finder Rick Pybus in North Grenville, Ontario, the financial aspect is only one of many factors that are considered when resource families are chosen.
Records Check. A records check may be made with the consent of the applicant into the Children’s Aid Society or Department of Children and Families. Any previous involvement with these agencies will be considered before an application can proceed.
Police Clearances. A criminal record check for every person age 18 and over in the household will need to be completed. You may have to provide addresses for your previous residences for the past several years. While there is usually a fee for these clearances, the agency may cover it.
Application Form. This is where you will provide the personal information for yourself and your family as well as indicate the type of care you wish to provide and the age and gender of the children you would consider caring for. You may be asked if you would be willing to care for sibling groups or children with special needs. You can also provide any specific training, experience or skills you may have that would help you to be a successful foster parent.
Medical Report. You may be asked to have your doctor conduct a physical examination and release the records to the agency with regards to your health status and any communicable diseases you may have. If there is a fee for this service, it may be covered by the agency.
Request for References. The agency may want you to provide references. These references may be family members, long-time friends, current friends, or employers/colleagues. These individuals will be asked to provide a written reference to the agency regarding your suitability to become a foster parent.
Foster Care Rates. Some application packages may include a document to address your questions regarding pay rates and reimbursable expenses relating to foster care.
Is there additional Foster Care Training?
In addition to filling out the required paperwork, you may also be asked to attend a pre-service training session to help prepare you for the task you are about to undertake. The pre-service will give you the opportunity to decide if fostering is right for you and your family. The training can be quite long and intensive, but with good reason. A well-prepared foster family is the best gift a foster child can receive.
