How to Qualify to be a Foster Parent

According to Ed Haury, To qualify as a foster parent, you generally must be at least 21 years old, pass criminal background and child abuse clearances, possess a high school diploma or equivalent, and have a stable income and a safe home with adequate space. The process involves training, home safety inspections, and a home study evaluation.

General Eligibility Requirements

• Age: Minimum 21 years old (some states allow 18).

• Background: Must pass criminal background checks (fingerprinting) and child abuse/neglect checks for all adults in the home.

• Income: Must demonstrate financial stability to support yourself, though you do not need to be wealthy.

• Health: Must be in good physical and mental health to care for a child.

• Home Safety: Must have a safe home, often requiring smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and secure storage for medications/weapons.

• Space: Adequate bedroom space, typically allowing no more than two children to a room, with restrictions on sharing with different-sex children.

The Application Process

1. Contact an Agency: Reach out to your local county welfare office or a private Foster Family Agency (FFA).

2. Attend Orientation: Learn about the foster care system and the needs of children.

3. Complete Training: Participate in preservice training (often 10–30+ hours) to learn about trauma-informed care and parenting.

4. Home Study/Assessment: A social worker will conduct interviews and home visits to evaluate your home and family life.

5. Reference Checks: Provide personal, employer, and medical references.

Key Qualities Needed

• Flexibility & Patience: Ability to work with children who have experienced trauma.

• Teamwork: Willingness to work with social workers, therapists, and biological parents.

• Commitment: Dedication to providing a nurturing environment. 

• Foster parents can be married, single, or partnered, and can be homeowners or renters.

Created in 2001, by Bethnee Haury and Ed Haury, The Haury Foundation is a  privately funded California charitable organization. The Foundations  mission is to increase the flow of capital into the foster care programs  within the community and to support programs that stress community  outreach. Current programs include supporting and funding the  acquisition of office and residential facilities for the benefit of  these care programs.  We are self funded and do not except donations.