This questionnaire will help you to determine if you are eligible to become a Foster/Adoptive Parent. Answer “T” for true or “F” for false for each statement below.

1. T/F   I have enough room in my home for a Foster/Adoptive child.
   You must have adequate bedroom space for a foster/adoptive child. A foster/adoptive child may share a bedroom with another child of the same sex, but the child cannot share a bedroom with anyone over the age of 18 except in approved circumstances. You cannot move out of your bedroom and sleep on the sofa to make room for the child. The child must have his/her own bed. The room must have at least 75sq.ft. for one child and an additional 55sq.ft. for each additional child. However, some exceptions are possible.
2. T/F   I am ready to have a safety inspection of my home done now. It is important that your home is safe and free of hazards. During the home study process, your Home Development Worker will conduct a safety inspection of your home. You must have working smoke detectors and a fire extinguisher.
3. T/F   I am in good physical, emotional and mental health.
   Being a parent can sometimes be demanding. You must be healthy and emotionally stable to care for foster/adoptive children. Everyone in your home must provide a medical statement completed by a physician indicating they are free of communicable diseases. All household members will be interviewed by the Home Development Worker.
4. T/F   I have never had a valid case with an agency due to abuse or neglect.
   If you have had a valid Child Protection case, you may not be able to become a Foster/Adoptive Parent. This includes validated cases of abuse or neglect or if your own child was placed in foster care or adopted. We will review our records as well as records in any other state where the applicant(s) resided.
5. T/F   I have adequate income to meet my current family’s needs.
   You do not have to be rich to become a Foster/Adoptive Parent; however, you must have enough income to meet your own family’s needs. During the home study process, you will be asked to provide proof of income and to review family expenses.
6. T/F   I am legally married or legally single.
   Foster/Adoptive Parents can be single, married, divorced or widowed.
7. T/F   No adult in my home has ever been convicted of a crime.
   If you or any adult residing in your home has been convicted of certain criminal offenses, you cannot become a Foster/Adoptive Parent. Each adult member in your household over the age 18 will be fingerprinted. If you have specific questions regarding which crimes are prohibited, please call the Home Development Unit.
8. T/F   I am ready to begin the home study process now! You are ready to begin the home study process if your life and home are stable. “Stable” means that you are not about to move and are not having financial, marital or emotional difficulties or making any major life changes in the near future.