How to Be a Foster Parent in Illionois
- 1). Contact the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. The telephone number for the Foster Parent Hotline is 800-624-5437. A representative from DCFS will help guide you through the steps to becoming a foster parent.
- 2). Attend the required foster parent orientation. This orientation will address the special needs of foster children and help to prepare you for their care. It will also educate you regarding the required license that a potential foster parent must obtain before a child is placed in their care.
- 3). Complete the required license application, medical history forms and criminal background check required by the Department of Children and Family Services. The DCFS representative assigned to your case will provide all of the necessary paperwork and assist with its processing.
- 4). Attend foster parent training classes and complete the home study course. This will help you further understand the needs of any child placed in your care, as well as provide more information regarding the DCFS rules and regulations regarding foster care.
- 5). Complete the required interviews and home visits. A representative from DCFS will visit your home to interview you and your family. Prior to granting a foster parent license, they will make sure your home is suitable for a foster child. A suitable home will be clean, safe and have room for a potential child. The licensing and training process typically takes between two and six months. Once your license has been approved and you have completed training, you are eligible to become a foster parent in Illinois.
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