The road to fostering can seem daunting at times. Yet, each step ensures that children from backgrounds of loss or trauma are placed in homes with well-informed, caring parents who have committed to providing a nurturing environment unique to the concerns of fostering.
Steps to becoming a foster parent in the state of Georgia: (This is not a definitive list. Each state will have differing requirements.)
- Attend a Foster Care Info Session led by either DFCS or CPA
- Submit initial paperwork to DFCS or CPA
- Complete first home visit by DFCS or CPA
- Approved to move forward with IMPACT Training hosted by DFCS or CPA
- Attend an IMPACT Training
- Complete second home visit (could be during or just after IMPACT Training completion)
- Turn in all IMPACT Training paperwork to DFCS or CPA
- Complete third home visit
- Approved (licensure) by DFCS or CPA
- Receive first placement
Additional Requirements Before Approval:
- Infant/child/adult CPR & First Aid certification
- Up-to-date physicals for entire household
- Septic and water inspections
- Drug testing for household members age 18 and above
- All children in the home must have up-to-date vaccinations
- Pet information (if applicable)
Additional Requirements After Approval:
- Continuing Education Requirements – 15 hours or more per person annually
County DFCS Partner Offices (Specific links can be found at: dhs.georgia.gov)
Barrow, Bartow, Bibb, Bryan, Bulloch, Carroll, Chatham, Chattooga, Cherokee, Clarke, Cobb, Colquitt, Coweta, Dekalb, Dougherty, Douglas, Emanuel, Floyd, Forsyth, Franklin, Fulton, Glynn, Gordon, Gwinnett, Habersham, Hall, Haralson, Hart, Jenkins, Laurens, Lee, Lumpkin, Muscogee, Oconee, Paulding, Polk, Richmond, Toombs, Troup, Walker, Walton, White