Check your state or country’s foster care requirements
Make sure you meet the age, income, housing, and background check criteria
Contact a licensed foster care agency or your local child welfare office
Attend an orientation session
Complete the required application
Submit background checks, references, and medical forms
Complete foster parent training classes
Participate in a home study and safety inspection
Prepare your home for a child’s arrival
Learn about trauma, attachment, and child development
Decide what age range and needs you can support
Get licensed or approved as a foster parent
Work with your agency to match with a child
Welcome the child and follow the case plan
Communicate regularly with social workers, teachers, and therapists
Attend court hearings, visits, and required appointments
Keep records of the child’s needs, routines, and progress
Support reunification when it is the case goal
Stay open to respite care and ongoing training
Renew your license and complete continuing education as required