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 be invited to an information session. They will have the choice of attending an in person session in their county or attending online via a 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 a Prospective Caregiver Application Packet which must be completed and returned to initiate the Caregiver Onboarding process.
Phase 3
Pre-Service Training and Home Evaluation
During the final process, prospective caregivers must complete the pre-service training and participate in a minimum of three (3) home consultations.
Upon completion of all required training, paperwork, screenings, home consultations, and written home evaluation, applicants will receive a letter from the county notifying them of the final approval decision.