Foster Care Certification

Before anyone can adopt a child in the foster care system, they must complete the Foster Parent Certification process. Through the application and licensing process, a TLC social worker will assist you in meeting the regulations. Once your application has been submitted it takes approximately 90 days to become a foster parent.

Some of the basic licensing requirements for anyone applying to be a licensed foster parent are:

• Must be at least 21 years old;
• Must not have been convicted of a crime of violence nor have been found to be a perpetrator of child abuse;
• Applicants must have sufficient income to support themselves without relying on foster care payments. In two-parent households, both parents may work outside the home if the child's care will not be adversely affected.

The certification process requires completion of: