Family Licensing Process

All foster care licensing requirements must be met prior to placement.  The process of becoming a foster parent takes approximately 3 to 6 months.  Clients will work closely with the Foster Care Process Coordinator and Foster Care Family Worker for guidance and support in completing the process.

The client’s timeliness in returning paperwork can affect the timeline and the completion of the licensing process.   

Information Foster Care Meeting

The information meeting gives families the opportunity to determine if foster care is the right fit for them.  This meeting provides a basic overview of the foster care opportunities at EVOLVE, the children/families served by the programs, and program requirements. 

Complete the Foster Care Application Paperwork & Criminal Background Check

Families will be given all necessary paperwork after submitting an EVOLVE application and completing a managers assessment.  All paperwork and background studies must be completed and returned prior to beginning the home study process.

Orientation/Training 

The following trainings are required prior to Foster Care Licensure

In-person training:

  • Foster Care Education (8 hours)
  • Parenting Children in a Diverse Society (8.5 hours)
  • Car Seat Training (3 hours) (only for families caring for children age 8 & under)

Required Online training:

Please fill out an Education Verification Form for EACH online training you complete. Send completed forms to mhamlin@evolveservices.org.

*Topics covered during training include (but are not limited to); roles and responsibilities of foster parents, building and sustaining cultural competency, mandated reporting, managing birth family dynamics, trauma, grief and loss, mental health, and attachment.

Foster Care Home Study

The foster care home study is a comprehensive assessment of a family’s readiness to parent and support a child in foster care. The information for this assessment is gathered through a series of interviews with potential providers and their current household members.  During this time a home inspection is also performed to ensure all licensing space and environmental safety requirements are met prior to licensing.

Licensing

Once the process has been successfully completed including an approved foster care home study, the agency will notify the licensing unit of DHS and a foster care license will be issued.

Placement

Unfortunately, a foster care license does not guarantee the placement of a child. For families who do receive a placement, your EVOLVE worker will provide ongoing support to your family, crisis intervention, and case management services through monthly visits, as well as a regular phone and email contact. We will also maintain all reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

Ongoing Training & Support

After your initial study, all licensed foster care providers are required to complete 12 hours of training per year.  At least one hour of that training must be on children’s mental health issues and treatment.  Families are also encouraged to participate in the training and support groups offered by EVOLVE.