Contact your county's Children Services department or foster and adoptive parent agency (see Resources). At the agency, you may discuss any questions about foster parenting and request an information package.

Register for an orientation session and attend the session. During this meeting, individuals in the child welfare field discuss foster care and can answer any additional questions.

Attend a class that introduces information about the application process. At this time, you will receive an application to complete at home. The application contains questions about your current family, home and working arrangements. Other questions include your reasons for wanting to become a foster parent, your views on specific topics, such as discipline and religion, and your child care experience. You must provide references on your application.

Complete the application and make an appointment to bring your application into the county agency in person. At this time, your fingerprints are taken, and a background clearance check is performed. Both procedures are required of all adults living in the home.

Childproof your home if the child is a toddler. All cleaning, chemical and medical products must be adequately locked up; electrical outlets must be covered; smoke alarms must be installed; and a fire extinguisher must be on the premises. A social worker will make arrangements to assess the safety of your home.

Enroll in a training and development program. Orange County offers a six-week development program where prospective foster parents learn about parenting skills, confidence building, professional staff interactions, the rights and responsibilities of caregivers and children, resources available and how to help foster children adjust.

Obtain first aid and CPR certification. TB testing must also be completed on all individuals living in the home and the results submitted to the county service worker.

Wait for the right match and child placement.