Foster Care | How to get started

1. Call  1 (855) 933-KIDS (5437) and request to become a foster parent through LSF
2. If you are ready for the committment, then you must complete a 30 Hour Pre-Service Parenting Program (once a week, 3 hours) called PRIDE
3. All household members must pass an extensive criminal background screening
4. The home must pass an environmental health inspection
5. The home must be safe and have adequate space for additional children to reside
6. The family must be financially stable and capable of providing for additional children
7. The family must have reliable and safe transportation
8. References provided must include: personal, professional, neighbor, family and school (for families with children living in the home)
9. A licensing counselor will complete and in-depth assessment of the family called a “home study”

The process from the time of the inquiry until a family receives a license is different depending on the circumstances but averages 3-5 months. If you are interested in learning more about the process, please call  1 (855) 933-KIDS (5437) and request to become a foster parent through LSF or email leecofoster@lsfnet.org for an informational packet and schedule of classes in your area.