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    Foster Care

    Foster Care Requirements In the Nine Mentor Foster Care States

    Discover the foster care requirements by state, including age limits, background checks, and preservice sessions. Begin your journey toward becoming a foster parent!

    Sevita
    Aug 19, 2025

    Becoming a foster parent is a life-changing decision, one that comes with both challenges and incredible rewards. 

    Each state has its own requirements to ensure that foster parents are prepared to provide safe, loving homes for children in need. Whether you're just starting to explore the idea of fostering or are already familiar with the process, understanding these requirements can help you make informed choices.

    Alabama Foster Care Requirements

    Age Requirement:

    To become a foster parent in Alabama, you must be at least 25 years old.

    Background Check:

    Applicants and household members must complete Background Checks and Child Protective Services History Check as required by state.

    Health Requirement:

    All members of the household need to be in good health. 

    Preservice Sessions:

    Prospective foster parents in Alabama must complete 30 hours of preservice sessions.

    Marital Status Requirements:

    You can be either single or, if you have a partner, you must be married.

    Learn more about becoming a foster parent in Alabama here.

    Georgia Foster Care Requirements

    Age Requirement:

    In Georgia, foster parents must be at least 21 years old.

    Background Check:

    Applicants and household members must complete Background Checks and Child Protective Services History Check as required by state. 

    Health Requirement:

    All members of the household need to be in good health.

    Preservice Sessions:

    Georgia requires prospective foster parents to complete 40 hours of preservice sessions. 

    Marital Status Requirements:

    Prospective foster parents in Georgia can be single, in a relationship, or married.

    Learn more about becoming a foster parent in Georgia here.

    Indiana Foster Care Requirements

    Age Requirement:

    Foster parents in Indiana must be at least 21 years old.

    Background Check:

    Applicants and household members must complete Background Checks and Child Protective Services History Check as required by state. 

    Health Requirement:

    All members of the household need to be in good health. 

    Preservice Sessions:

    Prospective foster parents must complete 20 hours of virtual preservice sessions.

    Marital Status Requirements:

    You can be single, in a relationship, or married.

    Learn more about becoming a foster parent in Indiana here.

    Maryland Foster Care Requirements

    Age Requirement:

    In Maryland, foster parents must be at least 21 years old.

    Background Check:

    Applicants and household members must complete Background Checks and Child Protective Services History Check as required by state. 

    Health Requirement:

    All members of the household need to be in good health. 

    Preservice Sessions:

    Foster parents in Maryland must complete 28 hours of virtual preservice sessions.

    Marital Status Requirements:

    You can be single, in a relationship, or married.

    Learn more about becoming a foster parent in Maryland here.

    Massachusetts Foster Care Requirements

    Age Requirement:

    Foster parents must be at least 21 years old in Massachusetts.

    Background Check:

    Applicants and household members must complete Background Checks and Child Protective Services History Check as required by state. 

    Health Requirement:

    All members of the household need to be in good health. 

    Preservice Sessions:

    Massachusetts requires prospective foster parents to complete a total of 40 virtual hours of Massachusetts Approach to Partnership in Parenting sessions (MAPP).

    Marital Status Requirements:

    You can be single, in a relationship, or married.

    Learn more about becoming a foster parent in Massachusetts here.

    New Jersey Foster Care Requirements

    Age Requirement:

    In New Jersey, foster parents must be at least 21 years old.

    Background Check:

    Applicants and household members must complete Background Checks and Child Protective Services History Check as required by state.

    Health Requirement:

    All members of the household need to be in good health. 

    Preservice Sessions:

    Prospective foster parents must complete the Parent Resources for Information, Development, and Education (PRIDE) program. This program is virtual and a total of 25 hours.

    Marital Status Requirements:

    You can be single, in a relationship, or married.

    Learn more about becoming a foster parent in New Jersey here.

    Ohio Foster Care Requirements

    Age Requirement:

    Foster parents must be at least 21 years old in Ohio.

    Background Check:

    Applicants and household members must complete Background Checks and Child Protective Services History Check as required by state. 

    Health Requirement:

    All members of the household need to be in good health. 

    Preservice Sessions:

    Ohio requires prospective foster parents to complete 24 hours of virtual preservice sessions.

    Marital Status Requirements:

    You can be single, in a relationship, or married.

    Learn more about becoming a foster parent in Ohio here.

    Pennsylvania Foster Care Requirements

    Age Requirement:

    Foster parents in Pennsylvania must be at least 21 years old.

    Background Check:

    Applicants and household members must complete Background Checks and Child Protective Services History Check as required by state. 

    Health Requirement:

    All members of the household need to be in good health. 

    Preservice Sessions:

    You must complete three days of virtual preservice sessions with an additional self-study to qualify as a foster parent.

    Marital Status Requirements:

    You can be single, in a relationship, or married.

    Learn more about becoming a foster parent in Pennsylvania here.

    South Carolina Foster Care Requirements

    Age Requirement:

    Foster parents in South Carolina must be at least 21 years old.

    Background Check:

    Applicants and household members must complete Background Checks and Child Protective Services History Check as required by state. 

    Health Requirement:

    All members of the household need to be in good health. 

    Preservice Sessions:

    You must complete 32 hours of virtual preservice sessions with an additional 5 hours of self-training to qualify as a foster parent.

    Marital Status Requirements:

    You can be single, in a relationship, or married. 

    Learn more about becoming a foster parent in South Carolina here.

     

    Looking For More In-Depth Foster Parenting Information?

    Meeting the requirements is the first step of your journey. For the rest, why not get answers to your foster parenting questions?

    Get the support you need every step of the way with The Beginners Guide to Foster Care eBook.

    You’ll get an understanding of foster care basics, actionable tips to connect with children in care, and much more.

    Get My Free Foster Care Guide →

     
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