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Steps to be a Foster Parent


foster children1 . The Information Meeting
This informal meeting is designed to present information about foster care in Wake County. At this meeting, we discuss the definitions of foster care and adoption and talk about the specific needs of the children in our community. There will be an opportunity for questions and answers, as well. By the end of this meeting, you should have a pretty good idea of whether you want to continue with the process in order to learn more about becoming a foster parent.

2. The Foster Parent Information Form
You need to complete this form so that we will have some basic understanding of how best to work with you. You will be given this form at the information meeting. There are some regulations in North Carolina about foster care. The information you give us on this form helps to indicate whether there are any regulations that need to be discussed further.

3. Preparation Groups
There are eight meetings after the Information Meeting. These meetings are designed to give you an opportunity to make a well-informed decision about participating in our program. The meetings are relaxed (no tests!) and we discuss in-depth information which should help you in your role as a foster parent. You will also have an opportunity to meet with experienced foster and adoptive parents. The preparation group meetings are usually held once a week for a period of about two months. If there is a conflict with your work schedule, please talk to us beforehand.

4. Individual Meetings
During the preparation group, a social worker will be assigned to help you with the rest of the process. You and that worker will get to know each other from individual meetings together. We will also be meeting with your children and anyone else who is living in your home.

5. Making a Decision
Besides your social worker, other agency staff will be looking at your interest in foster care. This staff includes the Placement Resource Development Unit and the Foster Care supervisors. These social workers, along with your group leader, will make a decision about your application.

6. Medical Examinations and Inspections
After step 5, foster parent applicants need to complete the following:

    • Medical examination for every member of your household (at no cost if you go to a Physicians Immediate Care Center)
    • Inspection by Fire Department (no cost)
    • Inspection by Health Department, if you have well water or a septic system (no cost)

Many applicants tell us they worry about the inspections. No one expects your house to be perfect and most homes pass these inspections without much preparation. The inspector will be looking for conditions that might be dangerous. You will have an opportunity to correct any problems.

7.  Final Approval
The social worker will write a summary (including information about your family's strengths and needs, background information, etc.). After your review, it is sent to the state office for approval. The state office will then review the information; when the summary is approved, a license is issued. Children can be placed with your family after this license has been issued.

Please keep in mind that there is no way to guarantee a family will be approved to be foster parents. Because the stakes are so high for the children we place, it is important for you and staff to have any concerns about application resolved before approval can be made. This is true throughout the application process and all the steps listed above.