Most people who can provide an adequate and loving home are eligible to foster. As a foster parent you…

• may be single, married, divorced, or separated and living apart from a spouse for 12 months or longer
• may or may not have birth or adopted children
• must be at least 21 years of age
• must be able to financially manage the addition of a child or children to the family, although there are no specific income requirements.
• must have no criminal history that will prevent you from being licensed to adopt

To become a foster parent in the state of Illinois requires a license. This license is obtained from the state of Illinois through DCFS or one of the private agencies that provides foster care and child welfare services. The process to obtain a foster care license takes on average 3-6 months and involves several components including (but not limited to):

• Orientation meeting:

  At the orientation meeting, you will learn about DCFS and the needs of children needing a foster care home. You will also learn about the foster care licensing process. In Illinois, families must receive a license before the children come to live with them. Licensing ensures that children are placed with nurturing families in homes that meet standards set by DCFS.

• An application for licensure
• Criminal background check with fingerprinting
• Training classes (an average of 9-30 hours) provided by the agency
• Home study and interviews:

  Before issuing a license, the agency will make sure that your home is a safe place for children. Generally, a foster home will…

  • be clean, well ventilated, properly lighted and heated, and free of fire hazards
  • have a safe water supply
  • provide protection from poisoning and injury
  • have room for a child
  • have an operating telephone or approval for quick access to a telephone