Steps to Foster Care/Adoption Certification

    1. Orientation – Informational meeting to provide an overview of the agency and the foster/adoption programs.
    2. Application and Fingerprinting – The application is the beginning of the certification process and is required to proceed through the process. Every applicant and adult (over the age of 18) in the home will be fingerprinted.
    3. Pre-Service Training – Training generally consists of 7 sessions of 3 hours each. All spouses must complete pre-service training to be certified. CHILDREN ARE NOT ALLOWED AT TRAINING.
    4. Home Study – This process occurs while you are completing your training. This includes a series of interviews, home visits, a safety and fire inspection, and additional paperwork. During this process you will become familiar with the Home Development Worker.
    5. Placement – After you are certified, a child or children will be placed in your home. This may happen immediately or may take longer, depend¬ing on what age and type of child you are able to care for. The agency will try to place children with you that match your strengths and prefer¬ences. You can always refuse any placement you are offered. During the certification process you will explore what age(s), gender(s), race(s), num¬ber and type(s) of child(ren) you are able to care for and you will be certified accordingly.