Foster Parent Requirements

General Requirements

• Be willing to work to meet the needs as an advocate for the child(ren) and toward a permanency plan.
• Be in good mental and physical health.
• Be 21 years old or older, if married; be 25 years old or older, if single. If you intend to foster teenagers, you must be at least 10 years older than the foster child(ren).
• Have adequate income to meet the needs of your family without the foster care reimbursement.
• No more than three children under 3 years old, including biological children, may live in your home.
• Work with FaithBridge as they consider the number of children in your home under 17 years old, per state requirements on capacity.
• Be able to provide appropriate care and supervision for the child(ren) in your home.

FaithBridge Requirements

• Be an active member of a local, Christian church and demonstrate a commitment to Jesus Christ in your daily life and in your home.
• Be willing to be part of a FaithBridge Community of CareSM, asking for and accepting support as you do the difficult job of parenting foster children. Also, be willing to support other families within your community.
• Sign and abide by the FaithBridge Position on Morality, FaithBridge Statement of Faith, Child Safety Agreement/ Discipline policy, Privacy/Confidentiality and Foster Family
  Handbook.

Process Requirements

• Attend Encounter, our orientation program.
• Participate in Foundations, the state-mandated foster parent multi-day training program.
• Complete the application and all related paperwork.

Housing Requirements

• Maintain your home in a condition that ensures the health and safety of children.
• Provide adequate sleeping arrangements, including a bed for each child and space to store clothing and personal possessions. Only bedrooms should be used as sleeping space for the child(ren).
• No child shall sleep in the same bed as an adult. No child over 1 years old may sleep in a room with an adult. Foster children over 3 years old, of different genders, may not share a room.
• A maximum of two children may sleep in a double or larger bed if they are siblings, are the same gender, have no known sexually predatory behaviors and are under 5 years old.
• Each non-related child must have a separate bed.
• Keep hazardous items (cleaning supplies, medications, firearms, knives, alcohol, etc.) in a place inaccessible to children.
• Have functional smoke alarms on each level of the home and at least one fire extinguisher.
• Inoculate pets against rabies, as required by law.
• Abide by all other home health and safety regulations.