SEVEN STEPS TO BECOMING A FOSTER PARENT WITH HOPE, INC.

Becoming a foster parent with HOPE, Inc. involves several steps, each step builds on the previous steps.

The process gives you an opportunity to make an informed decision on whether foster parenting is indeed something you want to commit to. It also gives us a chance to get to know you better so that an appropriate match can be made between foster family and youth.

Once you contact us to explore the possibility of becoming a foster parent, you can expect to follow the steps outlined below.

Step 1: Contact the Agency

• When you first contact our office, a staff member will answer your questions about becoming a foster parent. If you’re interested in taking the next step, we will ask you some basic questions about you and your family, and will mail you a packet of information containing pre-qualifying paperwork.

Step 2:  Complete pre-qualifying paperwork

• Complete the recruitment questionnaire.
• Complete items 1-5 pre-qualifying paperwork and return to the agency.

1. Criminal Records check for all household members age 18 and over. 
2. DMV check for all household members, age 16 and over.
3. Central Registry forms for household members age 14 and over (must be signed in the presence of a notary – can be notarized free by HOPE, Inc).
4. Authorization to Obtain Information signed by all household members age 14 and over. 
5. Sworn Statement of Disclosure for all household members age 18 and over.

• For assistance in completing this step please contact the HOPE office a member of the Home Development Team will be happy to assist you.
• All fees for the filing of the above documents are paid by HOPE, Inc.

Step 3: Orientation

• You will be invited to an orientation where you will meet with other interested families and learn more about what it will mean for you to be a foster parent. In some cases, a staff person will come to your home and meet with you individually to answer your questions and provide information. 
• During orientation you will be given an application package.  
• Staff members from HOPE will be on hand to answer your questions.
• You will receive information on the home study process.
• You will schedule a family consultation in the home with all members of the household present.    This meeting will be scheduled at your convenience but must be completed prior to pre-service training.

Step 4:  Pre-Service Training

• Complete intensive pre-service training (both spouse required to attend if married.)  Training consists of 47 hours – which includes Crisis Prevention/Management Training, CPR and First Aid Certification Training.

Step 5: Home study

• Staff members from HOPE Inc. will visit your home to interview family members and other persons residing in your home.  Three face-to-face meetings with each prospective foster parent is required.   
• You will need to complete all required paperwork and provide requested documentation.

• Complete a home inspection.  This will take place during one of the face-to-face meetings.

Step 6: Licensing Certification

·         The Home Developer will review all your documentation, complete your home study report and make a recommendation to the Clinical Manager, and Executive Director of HOPE, Inc.   Your package will be reviewed by the Records Department to ensure that your record meets Virginia Licensure Standards.  Final approval will be made by Clinical Manager or Executive Director.

Step 7:  Notification of Licensure Status.

Fostering is a Family Affair

Don’t Forget to Talk With Your Children and

Other Members of Your Household When

Making the Decision to Become a Foster Parent.

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