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Guidelines for Foster Home Licensure

  • If married or co-habitating, both parents must attend pre-service training.
  • All adults in the home have to be fingerprinted, have an abuse records check, a civil records check, and a criminal records check from each county and state they have resided in for the past 5 years.
  • All children between the ages of 12 and 17 will have a criminal records check.
  • Three personal references, one employment reference, daycare or school reference for all children that attend, references from all adult children
  • Prospective foster parents must provide proof that they are financially stable.
  • Each foster child must have his/her own bed to sleep in. Sharing beds is not permitted even in the case of siblings.
  • Children over the age of one are never allowed to share a bedroom with adults.
  • Under NO circumstances can physical discipline be used with a foster child.
  • ALL medications (prescription and over the counter), cleaning supplies, firearms, and alcohol must be locked and inaccessible to children at ALL times.
  • All homes in Putnam and Volusia County must complete a Radon test kit.
  • All foster parents must complete a basic Water Safety class. The class is offered online and there is no cost.
  • All dogs and cats must have current rabies vaccinations.
  • All foster homes must have operational smoke detectors central to sleeping areas and a fire extinguisher that has been inspected and tagged
  • Foster children must be afforded 40 square feet each in their bedrooms.
  • If you are not a citizen you must provide proof of legal residency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I foster if I’m a single parent?

Yes! You can foster if you are single, married, or co-habitating with a partner. However, all caregivers do have to take the training course.

Can I foster and work outside the home?

Yes! Foster parents can work full or part time, or be stay at home parents, or even retired. The only requirement is that you have an income source that covers your monthly expenses.

Can I foster if I rent my home?

Yes! It does not matter if you rent or own, or if you live in a house or an apartment. However, every child has to have their own bed and cannot share a room with an adult once they reach their 1 st birthday. Children can share rooms if there is adequate space and if they are the same sex.

I’ve been arrested, does this disqualify me?

All prospective foster parents are fingerprinted prior to being enrolled in a class. The Background Screening Department at the Department of Children and Families reviews all arrests, regardless of the outcome, and determines if someone is eligible. The majority of misdemeanors are not disqualifying offenses; the majority of felonies are.

Is there a cost involved?

There is no cost for any of the training or for the background screening. The only cost involved is making sure your home meets the Code requirements, such as having appropriate beds and car seats, having a tagged fire extinguisher, an escape ladder for a 2-story home, a lock-box for medications, etc.

Contact Our Foster Care Team