How To Become A Foster Parent
Wanted Good Foster Parents
Fostering Hope Florida is always looking for people to make a difference in children’s lives by committing to become foster parents. Foster care provides daily care for children whose biological families are no longer able to care for them. Foster parents offer the love and nurturing environment that make children feel safe and protected. Do you have a heart for children in need? Read on…
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Qualifications for Becoming a Foster Parent:
Ability to provide care and supervision on a 24/7 basis
Have financial stability
Be a patient, understanding caregiver
Ability to offer love and stable support
Pass a background screening
Complete a 30-hour training program
Have a home study approved by DCF
Becoming a Foster Parent
Foster parenting is a hugely rewarding experience and one that brings lifelong gratification. Foster parents are able to improve the life of a child bringing far-reaching effects. If you have the desire to become a foster parent in the Tampa Bay area you can take steps that will make a difference in the life of a child. Foster parenting is extremely gratifying but does take a big commitment. If you’re ready and willing to make this type of commitment you will soon be on your way to bringing joy and hope to children who desperately need it.
Make a Difference in a Child’s Life
The goal of Fostering Hope Florida is to provide children in-need with a safe, stable and loving family life that will help them succeed in life. Foster parents are able to give children the simple things in life that other kids might take for granted – caring, support and unconditional love. As a foster parent you will have the chance to give of yourself in a way that makes a real difference. All types of people can make good foster parents – everyone brings their own unique talents and skills to creating a family experience that brings out the best in each child.
How to Become a Foster Parent
Foster parents and families are always needed. If you are interested in becoming a foster parent in the Tampa Bay area, here is some information to get your started on your fostering or adoption journey:
The basic requirements are:
- Be at least 21 years old or older
- Have stable appropriate housing (renting is fine)
- Be able to pass a background check along with all other adults in your home
- Complete a 24 hour training course
- Have a home study completed
- Be able to provide for your family financially, and not rely solely on the child’s board rate to pay your bills
Frequently Asked Questions About Fostering:
Are the children on Medicaid? Is the dental covered?
All of the children are on Medicaid, so all of their medical and dental is covered through the state.
As a foster parent, do i have any input on the children I work with?
Yes, you do. You can specify an age range and gender of the children you wish to work with. You can be as specific as you want or as open, and you are free to change that profile at any time.
Do I need to be married to be a foster parent?
No. Single persons and unmarried couples can also become approved as foster parents. If two adults are presenting as a couple, then both must go through the approval process.
Can same sex couples / LGBTQ foster or adopt in florida?
Yes. This is a common misconception–all are welcome to foster or adopt a child.
The first step to actually get the process started is to attend an informational session. The session covers both fostering and adoption. Attending this session does not obligate you to anything. It is strictly informational. If you would like to attend a session, please email us at gloria@fosteringhopeflorida.com.
Fostering Hope Florida is an official charitable organization #96377 under the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC). Active or retired Federal employees can select Fostering Hope Florida as their charity of choice.
Fostering Hope Florida, PO Box 1632, Clearwater FL 33757 | (727) 688-5328
Fostering Hope Florida, Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization located in the State of Florida
Compliance letter from the State of Florida.
A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.