Every prospective family needs to complete certification paperwork. The purpose of the licensing process is to assure that families adopting children in the foster care system can provide a safe and nurturing permanent family. The certification process is more than legal compliance. It is a time when families are invited to do introspective self-assessments about their motivation to adopt, the parenting skills they bring and/or need to learn, and how the challenges they have faced have made them stronger.
Our intent is not to screen families out, but to train them in and provide them with the resources they will need to be successful. We work with you throughout the entire process which includes the following for all household members over 18 years of age:
- Child abuse and neglect clearances
- FBI clearances
- Medical examinations
- 4 written references
- Budgeting and financial information
We also come to your home to conduct a home study. A home study is a document written about your home and your family to help agencies who have children in their care decide what family is the best family for the child they are recruiting a home for. It is an interview process where you and your family members talk about your own family experience, your thoughts on parenting, and your current situation. We understand that the home study interview can be nerve-wracking and we do our best to help families feel comfortable. As part of the home study, the worker also takes a tour of your home to ensure it meets necessary safety standards, such as:
- Smoke and fire detectors within 25 ft of bedrooms
- Window guards
- Fire escape plan