{"id":351852,"date":"2016-04-04T11:02:38","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T16:02:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/family\/foster-care\/how-to-foster-a-child.html"},"modified":"2023-03-20T13:29:09","modified_gmt":"2023-03-20T18:29:09","slug":"how-to-foster-a-child","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/foster-care\/how-to-foster-a-child.html","title":{"rendered":"How to Foster a Child"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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How to Foster a Child<\/h1>\n
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\n By Jade Yeban, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Nicole Prebeck, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

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The foster care system offers children temporary, safe housing while social workers work towards family reunification. Each state establishes its own criteria to license foster parents. You should check with your local department of family or social services for more information on specific criteria.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n

Are you thinking about becoming a foster parent<\/a>? At its core, foster care (or "out-of-home care") provides children with temporary, safe, and stable housing.<\/p>\r\n

This may be for days or even years until either reunification with their birth families or adoption by a new adoptive family. Sometimes the foster family becomes the adoptive family.<\/p>\r\n

This article provides general instructions on how to foster a child.<\/p>\r\n

Step 1: Decide if Foster Parenting Is Right for You<\/h2>\r\n

The first step is deciding whether you want to foster a child. Joining the foster care system as a care provider is no small decision. You need to take honest stock of your parenting skills and limitations.<\/p>\r\n

Some questions to ask yourself include:<\/p>\r\n