Learn what background checks are required to become a foster parent and how our team guides families through this important step in the foster care certification process.
When you choose to open your heart and home to a child in need, you are making one of the most compassionate decisions a person can make. In this milestone of our foster care journey series, we focus on Milestone 3: Background Checks—an essential step in the certification process. While it may feel procedural, background checks play a vital role in ensuring every child is placed in a safe, stable, and nurturing environment where they can heal and thrive.
We know that background checks can feel overwhelming, but our team is here to walk alongside you every step of the way. These checks are designed to protect children while also giving you confidence that you're joining a network of dedicated foster parents who share your commitment to making a difference in a child's life.
The background check process is comprehensive and thorough, reflecting the seriousness of the responsibility you're taking on as a foster parent. We conduct several types of checks to ensure compliance with all regulations and to verify that your home will be a safe haven for a child in need.
Our background checks typically include:
Every state has unique requirements, and we're here to guide you through any state-specific checks that apply to your situation. Whether you're in a state that requires additional clearances or has particular documentation needs, our experienced team will walk you through each requirement with clarity and support. We understand that regulations can vary significantly from one location to another, and we're committed to making this process as straightforward as possible for you.
The fingerprinting and criminal history review process is a standard part of becoming a foster parent, and we're here to help you navigate it with confidence. FBI fingerprinting involves visiting an authorized location where your fingerprints are electronically captured and submitted for a comprehensive federal background check. This process helps ensure consistency and thoroughness across all states and jurisdictions.
Once your fingerprints are submitted, they're checked against national databases to review your criminal history. This step is combined with state-level criminal checks to provide a complete picture. We also verify that all adult household members complete the necessary checks, because creating a safe environment means ensuring that everyone in the home is committed to the well-being of the child.
The timeline for completing background checks can vary depending on your state and the specific checks required. Some results come back within days, while others may take several weeks. Throughout this waiting period, our team remains available to answer your questions, provide updates, and help you prepare for the next steps in your foster care journey. We understand that patience can be difficult when you're eager to welcome a child into your home, and we're committed to keeping you informed and supported.
Being open and honest during the background check process is essential—not just because it's required, but because it helps us ensure your home is truly a safe, nurturing, and supportive place for a child. Transparency allows our team to have meaningful conversations with you about your history, your strengths, and your readiness to provide the kind of stable, loving environment that children in foster care need to heal and grow.
If you have concerns about something in your background, we encourage you to discuss it with your Family Evaluation Specialist early in the process. Not all items on a background check automatically disqualify someone from becoming a foster parent. Our experienced team reviews each situation individually, taking into account the context, the time that has passed, and the growth you've experienced.
Remember, this process isn’t about finding reasons to exclude you—it’s about protecting children and making sure they are placed with families ready to meet their unique needs. Your honesty helps us understand your story fully and ensures there are no surprises along the way. When you are open with us, we can be open with you about what to expect and the next steps. Together, we’re building a foundation of trust that will support you, your family, and the child you welcome into your home for years to come. Stay tuned for our next milestone blog, where we’ll highlight our Skill Development sessions and how they help prepare to welcome a child into your home.
To learn more about what to expect during the background check phase, hear directly from Danielle Bonham, Senior Family Evaluation Specialist. In the video below, Danielle explains how background checks fit into the certification process and how our team supports families every step of the way.