Foster Parent Orientation

Requirements to be a Foster Parent

The requirements to be a foster parent include but are not limited to:  

• Both husband and wife and any adult household member that will have caretaker responsibility of a child in foster care must attend the 30 hours of training and additional training requirements including CPR, medication administration, and Shared Parenting.
• Receive a finger print clearance letter
• Be self-sufficient (employment or retirement income)
• Medical examination including TB test for each adult
• Reside  in Mecklenburg at least 6 months
• Be married at least one year at application
• Pass a fire safety inspection by the local Fire Department
• Fence in bodies of water such as ponds, pools, etc

Foster homes for children of all ages, specifically teenagers, sibling groups, children with special needs such as emotional and medical, various racial backgrounds, especially minorities.

Foster parents must be residents of Mecklenburg County with no child protective services or criminal history.  Depending on the date and type of criminal offense, and the applicant’s current status, licensure could be possible despite past criminal history, but there is no guarantee.

***Applicants with any history of substance abuse, charges of DWI/DUI or charges of possession of substances will need to complete an assessment to determine their eligibility to become a foster parent prior to being invited to attend training.