How to Become a Foster Parent in Florida

One way to have a positive powerful impact on a child's life is to become a foster parent. The requirements vary from state to state. Here's what you have to do to become a foster parent in Florida.

Instructions

How to Become a Foster Parent in Florida

1. Find the recruiting office in your area. This is where you can get information about the foster care system. The Florida Department of Children and Families has a list of the recruiting offices at the website in the Resource section. You should also register for a Model Approach to Partnerships in Parenting (MAPP) class.

2. Attend an orientation meeting. You'll learn what it takes to become a foster parent, how to apply and you'll also get information about the licensing requirements.

3. Complete a foster parenting training course. You'll have to complete 30 hours of training. You'll be required to share information about your lifestyle including your reasons for wanting to become a foster parent, your marital status, your financial situation, ideas about parenting, and whether you can provide a healthy environment for a child.

4. Prepare for the home study evaluation. A specialist will do a survey of your home. They will also do a criminal background check for you and your family and they will contact friends, relatives and employers for character references. If everything checks out fine, then you will receive a license to become a foster parent and a child can come live in your home.

Resources

• The Florida Department of Children and Families