* What are the requirements of re-certification?

In order to be re-certified you must complete at least 40 hours of continuing education within two years. A criminal background check is required every four years upon recertification. Transitions for Youth provides training to their foster parents.

Your foster parent license will be active for two years. At this time you can choose to be re-certified if you have completed your forty hours of training.

A certified adoption assessor will conduct the home study. A tour of the home will be required in order to determine sleeping arrangements for children placed in the home as well as any general safety issues or concerns. Family members will be interviewed with questions including, but not limited to, employment history, residential history, personality, reasons for wanting to foster parent and available support systems. A check list will also be completed at this time to determine what type of characteristics you would or would not accept in a placement.

The answer to this question varies. Although there is a definite need for foster parents, children who match your preferences may not be immediately available. The more open you are to gender, ethnicity, age and range of behavior, the more likely a child will be available quicker.