Resources for Foster Parents

📝 Certification & Licensing

Everything about getting licensed: training programs, clearances, home studies, and what to expect from start to finish.

💰 Finances & Reimbursement

What financial support you can expect: monthly reimbursement rates, clothing allowances, WIC eligibility, and what's covered.

🏥 Healthcare & Insurance

Children in foster care qualify for Medicaid in all states, covering medical, dental, vision, and mental health services. Here's what you need to know.

📦 New Placements

What to have ready, what to expect the first night, and the practical checklists that make the transition smoother for everyone.

⚖️ Legal System & Court

Understanding dependency court, permanency hearings, TPR (termination of parental rights), and your role as a foster parent in the legal process.

👥 Caseworkers & Visits

What to expect from caseworker visits, how to prepare, and how to build a productive relationship with your child's team.

🏫 School & Daycare

Foster children have rights around school enrollment and stability. Learn about educational protections, enrollment procedures, and accessing daycare assistance.

💛 Adoption & Permanency

When reunification isn't possible, adoption may be the next step. Learn about the permanency process, adoption from foster care, and what it means for your family.

📋 Before You Start the Process

• ☐What's the timeline from first contact to licensing in your agency?
• ☐When does the next training cohort start?
• ☐What's the difference between working with your agency directly vs. a private agency?
• ☐What types of placements are most needed right now? (ages, sibling groups, etc.)
• ☐What support do you offer foster families after placement?
• ☐Is there a support group for foster parents I can connect with?
• ☐What are the home requirements I should know about before the home study?

📞 When You Get the Call for a Placement

• ☐How old is the child? Are there siblings?
• ☐Why is the child being placed? (What can you share about the situation?)
• ☐Does the child have any medical conditions, allergies, or medications?
• ☐Does the child have any behavioral or emotional challenges I should know about?
• ☐What school does the child attend? Will they stay in that school?
• ☐What's the visitation schedule with birth parents?
• ☐Is this expected to be short-term or long-term?
• ☐What does the child like? Favorite foods, toys, routines?
• ☐What was the child wearing / do they have any belongings coming with them?
• ☐Who is the child's caseworker, and how do I reach them?
• ☐Is there anything this child is afraid of?

🔄 During an Active Placement

• ☐When is the next court date, and can I attend / submit a report?
• ☐What's the current permanency goal? Has it changed?
• ☐How can I get respite care if I need a break?
• ☐The child needs [specific service] — how do I get that approved?
• ☐Is there additional training available on [specific topic]?
• ☐Who do I contact in an emergency outside business hours?
• ☐How do I handle requests from birth family members that aren't the parents?
• ☐What documentation should I be keeping?