Frequently Asked Questions

• Who can become a foster parent?
  You can be married, single, male or female, and from any socioeconomic or ethnic background. If you are at least 21 years old, have good parenting skills and the sincere desire to care for a foster child, you can become a foster parent.



• Do I need special training?
  Yes. We provide you with training as a part of the certification process. Once you are successfully certified, we offer continuing monthly training to help keep your skills up to date. We also support you through weekly visitations by our social worker or case managers who assist you with problem solving and work with your foster children in your home.



• What exactly is certification?
  State Regulations requires individuals to be certified before they can become foster parents. This process involves an orientation, certification training classes, an assessment of your family's readiness for foster parenting, an evaluation of your home to assure safety and other legal requirements are met, fingerprint and child abuse clearances for everyone residing in your home over the age of 18, and completion of an application packet. It can take several months for the certification process to be completed.



• What types of children can I expect?
  Children of all ages and ethnic backgrounds are available for placement in your home. Many children placed with Families United, Inc. have special needs, and we will give you the tools to help you provide for their care.



• Do I have any say in which child I get?
  Yes. We make every effort to match the child with your home's requirements. You will be involved in this process and you have the option to accept or not accept children offered to your home.



• What about after-hours crisis?
  Emergency services are available 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Families United's experienced professionals are there to help you.



• How long will the child be with me?
  This is situational and different with each child. However, before each placement, you will be given a reasonable expectation of the term of placement.



• Is it possible to adopt a foster child?
  Yes, in certain cases, but it depends on the child's situation and is a determination made by the Court. Guardianship may also be another option.



• How many foster children can I have at one time?
  The number of children you can work with is determined by the children's needs, your skills, the amount of space you have available, and by State Regulation.

For more information on foster care and adoption services, please contact us at any of our offices.