If you want to become a foster parent in Texas, there are several steps you’ll need to take.
First, you’ll need to complete a criminal background check and fingerprinting.
Next, you’ll need to undergo a home study by a social worker from the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). This process will last at least six months and involve multiple interviews with both you and your family members, as well as visits to your home throughout the duration of the study.
Finally, after successfully completing all previous steps and being approved by DFPS, you can become certified as a foster parent—which means that DFPS will assign children in its custody to live with you while they await court hearings or placement with another family member or guardian.
How To Become Foster Parent In Texas
You qualify to apply for foster care placement if you:
- Are single or married (if married, for a minimum of two years).
- Retired or employed.
- Are 21 years of age or older.
- Are emotionally and physically healthy.
- Have a regular source of income (cannot be dependent on the foster care payment for expenses, nor can you be on government assistance).
- Have no criminal history, or have proof of rehabilitation.
- Do not have a history of abusing a child or another adult.
Characteristics of successful foster families:
- A strong desire to help children.
- Open-minded and welcoming to children of all age groups.
- Flexible with the children and the treatment team.
- Can cope with challenging behaviors.
- Value diversity and support children’s cultural needs.
- Open to children who have experienced trauma.
The process for becoming a foster parent
Foster In Texas (FIT) works with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) to find loving families for thousands of children each year. These children tend to be school-age or older and are very desirous of a forever family.
Verification process overview:
- Completed in three months on average.
- Application and background check.
- Orientation meeting.
- STAR pre-service training.
- CPR and first aid training.
- SMART behavioral intervention training.
- Psychotropic medications and medications administration training.
- A home screening/study and safety inspection.
