Foster care supports children who, for different reasons, cannot live with their own families. It offers these children a short-term, safe, and caring place to grow, heal, and thrive.
This can’t happen without amazing foster parents!If you're considering becoming a foster parent, one of the first things to understand is home requirements.
Foster parents are so much more than just caregivers — they offer guidance and support for a child in foster care. They are also role models and leaders in values and life skills.
Elizabeth Murrell, a Maryland foster parent, puts this beautifully in her letter to her child in foster care:
"We want you to feel safe and loved in our home. We understand that this may be a new and unfamiliar environment for you, but please know that we are here to support you every step of the way."
There are initial criteria that foster parents must meet before home requirements are considered. These basic requirements are designed to ensure the safety and well-being of children in foster care.
One of the most basic requirements to become a foster parent is meeting the minimum age. This is usually 21 years old in most states.
The purpose of the minimum age is to ensure that potential foster parents are mature enough to provide proper care, guidance, and a stable place for a child in foster care. It recognizes that fostering requires a level of life experience and emotional development.
Can you be a single foster parent? The answer is yes!
There are no restrictions based on marital status to parent a child in foster care. However, if you are single, you’ll need to consider your income, time, and other resources for providing proper care.
Foster parents must typically be legal residents or citizens of the country in which they intend to foster a child. In the U.S., citizenship or legal residency is required in most states to become a foster parent.
Foster parents are subjected to background checks to ensure the safety of the child in foster care. While certain criminal offenses may prevent people from becoming foster parents, it is important to note that this varies by state.
Preparing to be a foster parent often means going through preservice sessions. These important programs teach foster parents about parenting, trauma, and other relevant topics.
A home study looks at the home and family life of a foster parent to determine suitability for a child in foster care.
Social workers conduct the home study to assess the home's safety and cleanliness. This includes the physical condition of the home, making sure that it meets safety standards, as well as the ability of the foster parent to provide a stable and loving environment.
Once the basic requirements are met, it’s time to look at foster care home requirements.
Every child in foster care needs a space of their own — a bedroom where they feel safe and can express themselves.
Here are some bedroom requirements to consider.
Your home should have proper bathroom facilities to meet the hygiene needs of a child in foster care and ensure privacy.
Regular cleaning and maintenance are needed to keep bathrooms in good condition for a child in foster care. Fixtures, such as sinks, toilets, showers, and tubs, should all be working, clean, and functional.
Privacy is non-negotiable — everyone needs privacy when using a bathroom. Bathroom doors should have working locks for this reason.
A well-equipped kitchen is a requirement for foster parents to provide healthy meals for children in foster care.
As a foster parent, you’ll need to prepare healthy, well-balanced, and age-appropriate meals. You’ll also need to have enough food in the house to meet the dietary requirements of a child in foster care.
Dietary restrictions must be considered for any children in foster care living with conditions that require specific diets.
A foster home should be equipped with all of the necessary safety measures. This includes smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and childproofing where necessary.
Foster parents should be aware of potential hazards and take steps to reduce risks, ensuring a safe and secure environment for children in foster care.
You don't need to own your home to become a foster parent!
Whether you rent or own, you can provide a loving home for a child in need. What matters most is that your living space is stable, safe, and has enough room for a child to thrive.
Living in an apartment or rental home might mean getting creative with space, but don't let that discourage you. Many successful foster parents live in apartments and make it work beautifully.
For example, you might:
What makes a great foster home is the love, care, and stability you provide to a child who needs it. Many children in foster care come from apartments or small homes themselves, so they may feel more comfortable in a similar setting.
Each state has its own laws and regulations for foster care. Foster parents need to learn the requirements of their state so they can legally meet and maintain the standards required to become a licensed foster home.
Foster parents must also know their legal obligations, including reporting any concerns for a child's safety and well-being. Failure to follow the law can result in loss of foster parent status or worse.
Regular inspections ensure that your home continues to meet the necessary requirements and provide a safe environment for children in foster care.
These assessments help maintain the highest standards of care and well-being for children in foster care. Social workers or official representatives may conduct these inspections to evaluate the continued suitability of the foster home.
Foster parents should prepare for inspections before they happen. This includes making sure that the home is routinely clean, safe, and well-maintained. It is important to have your paperwork up to date and ready.
By being well-prepared for inspections, foster parents can keep providing a safe, loving, and caring environment for children in foster care.
There’s more to being a foster parent than providing a safe and caring home — children in foster care have emotional needs that have to be met.
Creating a warm and welcoming environment is a great place to start.
Children in foster care have often gone through trauma and need a warm, welcoming, and emotionally supportive space. Foster parents should be prepared to provide love, understanding, and patience. This will help a child in foster care adjust to their new space and heal from past events.
Children also need their own private space — foster parents should ensure that each child in foster care has their own space within the home. This may be their own bedroom or, if kids are sharing a bedroom, it could be another designated area where they can have some degree of privacy.
Individual space allows children in foster care to feel a sense of ownership and security. It allows them to create an area unique to their tastes with things like posters and decorations.
If you have more questions about the home requirements to become a foster parent, here are answers to the most common questions. Can kids in foster care share a bedroom?
Yes, in most cases children of the same gender who are close in age can share a bedroom.
Each child needs their own bed and adequate space for their belongings. Specific requirements vary by state, but your agency will guide you through what's allowed in your situation. The key is ensuring each child has enough personal space to feel comfortable and secure.
Absolutely!
Single parents can make wonderful foster parents. What matters most is your ability to provide a stable, loving home for a child.
While you'll need to carefully consider your support system and resources since you'll be the primary caregiver, many single foster parents successfully provide loving homes for children in care.
Pets can be wonderful additions to a foster home, helping children in foster care feel more comfortable and secure.
You'll need to show that your pets are friendly, up-to-date on vaccinations, and safe around children. Some organizations may have specific requirements about certain types of pets.
Yes, many foster parents work full-time jobs. The key is having a solid plan for child care and after-school care.
You'll need to show that you can balance work responsibilities with meeting your child’s needs. Many foster care organizations help employed foster parents to find appropriate child care programs.
Moving while fostering is possible, but you'll need to notify your foster care organization in advance.
Your new home must meet the same safety and space requirements, and you'll likely need a new home study. If the child is still in contact with their birth family, their location must also be taken into consideration.
Pets can be wonderful additions to a foster home, helping children in foster care feel more comfortable and secure.
You'll need to show that your pets are friendly, up-to-date on vaccinations, and safe around children. Some organizations may have specific requirements about certain types of pets.
Minor repairs usually aren't a deal-breaker.
During the home study, your social worker will identify any necessary changes or updates. You'll typically have time to make these improvements before a child is placed in your home. The goal is to ensure safety, not perfection.
Foster parents come from all types of neighborhoods!
What matters is that the environment is safe and stable. Your organization will look at factors like proximity to schools, medical care, and community resources, but there's no requirement for “type” of neighborhood.
It's normal to have questions about foster care — including home requirements.
Get the support you need every step of the way with The Beginner’s Guide to Foster Care!
You’ll get an understanding of foster care basics, actionable tips to connect with children in foster care, and much more.