Persons considering foster parenting must possess the following characteristics:
- Good physical and mental health
- 21 years of age or more
- Be single OR married
- Rent OR own a home with a safe environment for a child
- Be able to provide for their own family's financial needs
- Have stable family relationships
- Be willing to work with others
- Pass a background check
- May OR may not have children of their own
- Be legal, permanent U.S. residents
- Be able to provide transportation of foster children
- Be able to provide love, guidance, and support to their foster children
- Be able to discipline fairly
Physical aspects of the home include:
- Cleanliness and good repair within accepted community standards
- One fire extinguisher in kitchen and a smoke detector on each floor
- Appropriate bed/bedroom availability
- Locked firearms, ammunition, hazardous substances, and medications
- Fenced-in pool with locking capability
- Vaccinated, non-aggressive pets
- Usage of appropriate age-related child safety devices, e.g., housing toddlers requires covers on electrical outlets