Becoming a foster parent in Georgia is a great way to help families in need. If you want to help a child or sibling group get into a stable home, becoming a foster parent may be right for you! Here’s what you need to know about the process.
What Is Foster Parenting?
Foster parenting is when someone who isn’t the child’s parent or guardian temporarily cares for a child who has been placed in their care by the state. This can happen because of abuse or neglect, or because the parents are unable to provide adequate care for the child. Foster parents agree to provide temporary care for children who have been removed from their homes by social services until they are able to return home or be adopted by another family.
How Do I Become A Foster Parent?
To become a foster parent in Georgia, you must meet certain requirements:
Be at least 21 years old (or 18 if married) and have lived in Georgia for at least 3 months before applying for certification as a foster parent;
Be able to provide food, clothing, and shelter for all children placed with you; Have adequate space (at least 1 bedroom per child) and funds
How To Become Foster Parent In Ga
TODAY CAN BE THE DAY! Take your first step in making a difference in the life of a child. Not only will the lives of children be touched, but yours will certainly be changed as well. One can leave no finer legacy than to change the world one child at a time.
CHILDREN NEED SECURITY, LOVE, STABILITY and a sense of belonging that only a caring family can provide. On any given day, approximately 11,000 of Georgia’s children find themselves in a situation where they are unable to live with their biological families.
APPLY TO BE A FOSTER PARENT with GCAC of Georgia. The knowledgable staff will walk you through the foster care process and be available to answer questions at any point. Fill out the Interest Form here, or call the office at 770-255-1018.
- Age 25 +
- Pass a drug screen
- Complete a medical exam
- Valid Georgia Driver’s License
- Meet home safety requirements
- Provide employment and family references
- Complete state and federal background check
- Attend IMPACT foster parent training program
- Complete CPR, First Aid, and Water Safety Training
- Current automobile coverage and health insurance
- Crisis Intervention – Emergency Management Training
GCAC of Georgia will assist you in completing the required exams and background checks as needed. We will walk with you step by step through the paper work and training.
Foster Parent Requirements
Foster Parent Support
- Dedicated staff
- 24 hour On-call
- Parent Support Groups
- Respite Day Scheduling
- Babysitter Approvals
- Assessing Child’s Needs
- Recognition of milestones
- Fostering Family Events
- Ongoing Training
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GCAC of Georgia is a top notch organization! They truly support each family in every part of the process. They provide resources, training and host events just to love on these children! We have personally experienced GCAC stepping up to be a strong advocate for the children in our home. Our hearts are rich and our family is more full becasue of GCAC, and for that we are forever grateful.
– GCAC Foster Family
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Steps To Approval
Our team will walk you step by step through the approval process, presenting each task in a manageable way. Check out our timeline to see how seamless the process will be. We are here to help!
- Review GCAC Foster Parent Requirements & self-assess qualification
- Complete Paperwork, Background Checks and Medical Exams
- Shedule a 2 hour Psychosocial session with a counselor
- Prepare for a scheduled home study and evaluation
- Attend GCAC of Georgia’s IMPACT Training
- Open your home to receive your first child
- Call to schedule time for a private, 1.5 hour Orientation Interview
